The family of an 89-year-old disabled grandmother were handed a £100 fine for enabling her to safely climb out of a vehicle on a shopping trip. Maureen Roberts, who has lost the ability to walk or stand without help, was visiting a retail park in Stockton-on-Tees with her daughter-in-law Francesca when the incident occured on March 6. Francesca reportedly parked over a white line in Teesside Park to allow her elderly mother-in-law enough room to exit the car onto her mobility aid walker.

The family said all the car park's disabled spaces had been filled, leaving them with little choice but to park at the end of a normal row, where there was extra space for the walker on one side. Despite reportedly not inconveniencing any other vehicles, and only parking over a white line to enable Maureen to safely get out of the car, they received a £100 penalty charge in the post shortly afterwards.

The family appealed the penalty on the grounds of its "specific circumstances and minimal impact to other shoppers", but parking operator Minster Baywatch initially rejected their plea, TeessideLive reports.

The firm insisted that the car had breached regulations by parking outside of a marked bay - but later climbed down and cancelled the fine after accusations of "heartlessness".

Dave Roberts, 60, said the operator's immediate response to the appeal had demonstrated a lack of "common sense". "I thought once we ... [explained] the situation and that it wasn't possible to park anywhere else, that would be the end of it," he said.

89-year-old Maureen also said she had been made "really upset" by the incident and offered to pay the fine herself, despite slamming it as poor treatment of someone with a disability.

"It has really truly upset me," the pensioner said. "I'm thinking about it all of the time. It's not just about me, but other people with disabilities that this will affect. They should give that a little bit of leeway."

"It's just disgusting that these parking companies are allowed to be judge and jury when their modus operandi is to generate revenue by issuing tickets," her son added.

Mr Roberts said that he was "so pleased" that "common sense" had prevailed with the fine's ultimate cancellation.

Minster Baywatch has been contacted for comment.