A disabled woman was left in tears after she was given a hefty parking fine for staying in a Swindon B&M store’s carpark for 11 extra minutes.

Emma Applegate of Toothill suffers from fibromyalgia, lymphedema in both legs and arthritis in her lower back which all concoct to create chronic pain.

She holds a Blue Badge for parking but when she went to visit the new B&M store near the Transfer Bridges last week, she was issued with a fine for overstaying the allowed time.

“I don’t want to go out shopping anymore after what has happened,” said Emma.

“It has certainly put me off from shopping at that specific store.”

Swindon Advertiser: The new B&M store opened in Swindon earlier this month.The new B&M store opened in Swindon earlier this month. (Image: Newsquest)

The 47-year-old had decided to visit the new store on March 14 at 7.15am, saying she needed to get the car out before works blocked her road.

“I parked in the new car park but realised I was 45 minutes early so I waited in the car and read my book.”

But Emma did not notice the signs that were up that mentioned the allotted duration of time cars are allowed to stay at the former Go Outdoors site.

“I saw no signs at the time as I am autistic, so I don’t always see the bigger picture,” she added.

Swindon Advertiser: Emma was left in tears after she heard that she had been fined.Emma was left in tears after she heard that she had been fined. (Image: Dave Cox)

“So I then went in and bought some items after looking around for an hour and 20 minutes roughly.”

It transpires that the 47-year-old had overstayed the allotted parking time of two hours by staying at the site for an additional 11 minutes and 19 seconds.

The car park is managed by United Kingdom Parking Control (UKPC).

“We received a letter a week after on the Wednesday stating that I had to pay a £100 fine,” said Emma.

Swindon Advertiser: The new Swindon B&M store is larger than the last and it features a garden centre.The new Swindon B&M store is larger than the last and it features a garden centre. (Image: Newsquest)

“I felt angry and upset when my husband Chris told me and I had a few tears. It is very stressful in these times when you cannot afford to be paying this kind of money here and there.”

The couple noted that if they paid early, they could submit the lower amount of £60 and given the lengthy wait in time for the appeals process, they proceeded to pay.

“We are not appealing as it is a huge amount of stress that we cannot afford and it is both quicker and easier to just pay it and get them off of your back,” said Emma.

UKPC did not respond to the Adver's request for comment.