I had an appointment at Hereford County Hospital and searched in vain for a parking space, suddenly noticing such at the Stonebow Unit of which I was relieved to find, as time was of the essence.

Having had a relative in the unit quite recently, I was familiar with the parking arrangements but failed to notice a small plaque regarding this.

Returning after 40 minutes, I was stressed to find a clamp had been applied to my wheels.

Having no mobile phone and not being allowed to ring the clamping company from the Stonebow Unit and having to return to the hospital to contact them, they informed me they would be ten minutes and the charge would be £94 in cash as cheques were not accepted.

Fortunately, I had the cash on me but not everyone has, in which case they would experience many more problems.

I am surprised the hospital authorities employ a private company with such sweeping powers.

MICHAEL HOWE,

Bosbury,

Ledbury.