VISITORS to Hereford's Courtyard Theatre have been warned to respect the rules of the car park or expect financial penalties.

The message comes from the theatre's chief executive after a number of Hereford Times readers complained they had received fines, despite buying and displaying tickets in their vehicles.

Martyn Green said the Courtyard had made great efforts to inform motorists fines would be imminent if visitors did not park correctly when visiting the arts centre.

"The reason people who bought tickets were fined was because they had not parked in the designated bays," he said.

"Although there might have been enough room to park and they were not blocking anyone in, we have to follow health and safety guidelines and provide access for the emergency services."

Mr Green added visitors were warned of the parking arrangements through increased signage, tannoy announcements and leaflets attached to tickets sent out in the post.

"Nobody likes being fined and we know the car park is not big enough but we have tried to make it as simple as we can and there is an overflow car park at the Merton Meadow," he explained.

"If they park properly it is only £1 and I don't think that is unreasonable - in Birmingham, I had to pay £10."

Mr Green also confirmed the Courtyard made no profit from the fines.

He said all the money collected went straight to Corporate Services - the private company in charge of enforcing the rules of the car park.