A CANCER patient was slapped with a £60 parking fine for leaving her car on a verge outside Amersham Hospital after new parking laws were put in place in the district.

The Free Press has had several letters from furious motorists who are falling foul of the strict new rules under Chiltern District Council's Special Parking Area scheme.

The contentious spot, a grass verge in Whielden Street, has been used for years by drivers who visit the hospital, but people are now facing a hefty fine despite complaints there are not enough spaces.

Cancer sufferer Anne Terry, of Sprigs Alley, Chinnor, has parked on the verge dozens of times while receiving treatment or visiting her elderly mother. She recently got a ticket after an appointment with her oncologist.

"The place I parked was completely off the road, causing no inconvenience to anyone," Mrs Terry said.

"The parking at Amersham Hospital is often inadequate for the number of patients and visitors attending and this bit of scrubland provides much needed additional space.

"I was told by a council officer that parking on a verge contravenes the Highway Code. I would argue that this particular place does not constitute a verge."

Paul Newman, the principal engineer behind the parking scheme, said the area is covered by the road's double yellow lines.

He said: "Yellow lines run from the middle of the road, across the kerb, across the verge to the first boundary of a property. In the area of the hospital this covers the rough ground on which people park."

Buckinghamshire County Council placed the line in the road so people exiting the hospital get a clear view of the road.

Mr Newman added: "Over the recent weeks our parking attendants have witnessed many near misses as vehicles reverse out blind."

June Booker, of Meadow Walk, Bourne End, who has visited the hospital, thinks the council should adopt the verge and put parking meters in place.

She said: "If we could get in the car park we are willing to pay but there are not enough spaces for the disabled as it is."

Mr Newman said the car parking provision at the hospital was not in its control.

A spokesman for Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust remains in discussion with Chiltern District Council over how issues regarding parking for users of Amersham Hospital can best be addressed.

"These talks are ongoing and explore several potential areas which may provide additional spaces. Amersham Hospital offers a total of 325 spaces. These spaces include 17 dedicated disabled parking bays near to the entrances.

"It is a busy hospital and unfortunately, visitors as well as our staff may encounter problems finding a vacant space from time to time.

"Every effort is being made to find a solution that benefits the hospital's users, visitors, Chiltern District Council and the Trust."