A FAMILY are fuming after a sandwich cost them £60 because they used a private car park to turn around in.

Andy Howitt and his son Louis had stopped after football practice for a sandwich at Subway, in Manorsfield Road, Bicester.

After Louis, 11, jumped out of the car and went to place his order, dad Andy said he pulled into the car-park just around the corner, turned around, waited at the entrance for a few minutes until Louis returned to the car with his sandwich, then drove off.

But a month later on October 30, the family received a fine through the post for £140.

Mum Claire Howitt, of Main Street, Poundon, near Bicester, said: “He didn’t park there, he entered it and turned around and waited a minute. We rang and explained he didn’t park there, but they said it didn’t matter he wasn’t allowed in there.”

Initially, the family argued there was no warning sign, but said when they checked they found a “small sign”.

The family also contacted Subway, who told them not to pay, but she said she was not comfortable with that and was concerned there could be repercussions.

After arguing with The Parking Collection Service, which dealt with the fine, it was reduced to £60.

Mrs Howitt said: “We totally agree with parking restrictions because people do park willy-nilly where they like, but we only entered it and that’s unfair.”

Subway said it had no control over the car-park and no allocated spaces.

The Parking Collection Service was unavailable for comment.