A SUPERMARKET in Bolton has scrapped car parking charges a week after a row over a £50 fine.

Machines at Morrisons in Black Horse Street have been covered up and customers do not currently have to pay the £1 fee.

However, a two hour limit in the car park still remains.

A spokeswoman for the supermarket giant said: “The pay and display machines are covered up at the moment and do not need to be used by customers.

“However, the maximum stay is two hours and there is an ANPR system in place which is still operating.”

The move comes after the supermarket was criticised by a woman who was fined £50 for not paying £1 when she parked in a disabled space.

Ann Hunt was coming back from a hospital visit with her 93-year-old mother Doris when they decided to go to the store.

The pair parked in a blue badge space at the car park and - after a quick check of the nearest signs - thought they would be exempt from paying the £1 fee.

However, a week after the visit, Ms Hunt received a letter including a £50 fine, which would rise to £85 if it was not paid within two weeks.

She paid the bill but said the supermarket’s signage was “confusing” and that the "punishment doesn't fit the crime."

She warned that the signs could catch other drivers out.

Ms Hunt says Euro Car Parks, who operate ANPR cameras at the site, have since agreed to refund the fine and welcomed the news that parking fees have been removed.

She said: “I didn't realise that my letter would generate so many comments from other readers.

“It's great that Morrison's have listened and are now rethinking how they deal with car parking at the store.

“A manager at the store assured me that Euro Car Parks will be refunding my £50 within two weeks.”

The issue generated a number of strong opinions from The Bolton News readers, who took to the article’s comment section to air their views. It is believed that free car parking is set to continue for the immediate future.