A FURIOUS father from Peebles believes bosses at the BGH aren't toing the line when it comes to parking.

John Crawley has hit out after his son was hit with a fine during a recent emergency orthopaedic appointment at the Melrose hospital.

Although he parked his van in, what he thought, was a valid space, on return to his vehicle he was handed a fine for £90 - or £40 if paid within 14 days.

An appeal against the penalty has so far fallen on deaf ears, but John is driving ahead in a search for justice.

He told us: "My son's van was in an area of the car park that was not marked as being a prohibited area - no bright yellow hatching lines as was the case only a few yards away.

"It is my contention that this is a situation created by the hospital and their agents Minster Baywatch.

"Whoever was responsible for marking out the car park has sublimely channelled harassed and anxious visitors into this area rendering them liable to charges."

NHS Borders introduced parking charges five years to the car parks around the BGH in a bid to ease congestion.

Further changes have been introduced in an attempt to create more spaces for visitors and patients.

But, according to Mr Crawley, there remains areas of ambiguity.

He added: "Some areas are clearly marked and others are anyone's guess.

"If the car parks had all been marked the same way people wouldn't be caught out this way.

"Not everyone who visits the hospital has English as their first language or is in a rational state."

According to the NHS Borders website incorrect parking includes 'parking on double yellow lines, hatched areas, painted chevrons, access roads, ambulance bays, pavements, grassed or landscaped areas and reserved bays'.

The section of car park where the ticket was issued remains unpainted and unclear whether it falls into the 'incorrect' areas.

A spokeswoman for NHS Borders told us: "We wish to make hospital visits straightforward and safe for our patients and visitors, as a result parking areas are actively managed to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety, whilst maximising parking opportunities.

"Our parking areas are also designed to allow access for emergency, delivery and recovery vehicles by protecting turning space, lines of sight and underground services, which is why parking is prohibited in certain spaces.

"We review every opportunity to re-mark spaces and increase capacity.

"Car park users are welcome to appeal parking tickets via the simple process outlined on the back of the penalty charge notice.

"In this particular instance we would encourage the person to appeal so that their individual circumstances can be reviewed.”