"Don't get caught out Christmas shopping like we did," warns a Staplehurst couple.

Colin and Linda Tucker went to the Fountains Retail Park in Longfield Road, at North Farm in Tunbridge Wells to buy their presents.

They spent more than £200 in Homesense and Marks and Spencer and also had lunch in the M&S restaurant.

Ten days later they received a parking ticket through the post from UKPC demanding a £100 penalty (discounted to £60 if paid within two weeks.)

The Tuckers had stayed there for three hours and 56 minutes and the maximum free time permitted is three hours.

Mr Tucker said: "We were absolutely shaken. We have been using Fountain Park for many years and have never been aware of any parking restrictions. Apparently the company had installed ANPR cameras just two weeks before our visit."

The Tuckers from Lovehurst Lane are appealing the fine but are not hopeful.

Mr Tucker said: "I would really just like to warn other unsuspecting shoppers because on speaking to friends and clients, it appears that nobody has been aware of these parking restrictions."

The Fountains Retail Park is owned by the Legal & General Investment Management Company. Tenants include KFC, Halfords and Dreams. There is a car park for 344 cars.

Mr Tucker said: "It seems to me that online shopping will be the way forward. Parking fines like this are just another ‘nail in the coffin’ for physical retailers."

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