Sir - My wife and I drove into Oxford last Sunday. We enjoyed a delightful lunch in St Clements and then had a stimulating visit to the Oxford Literary Festival.

Having read that some parking was now free in Oxford on arrival I asked if St Clements car park was free. I was told in no uncertain terms that it was not. I, therefore, paid for three hours. Because one of the festival sessions overran we were somewhat late. As it was then close to 6pm I felt confident we would be all right. Oh innocent thought! My £100 penalty ticket was applied to the windscreen at 5.50pm in a largely empty car park on a Sunday.

What other city or town in the country has such a savage policy? Any gain in revenue must be outweighed by the feeling of resentment caused to so many by these fines. I hear that Oxford is anxious to attract more visitors.

Could I suggest an urgent review of these policies that must deter many, let alone the negative impression of Oxford they create.

Philip Wootton, Long Crendon