A MAN was stunned to receive a £365 parking fine for returning to his car just six minutes late.

Leslie Daly, who is diabetic, was visiting his doctor for some blood test results but his appointment over-ran.

He dashed back to his vehicle but was stunned to find it clamped.

Patients who use Wood Street Medical Centre in Walthamstow often cannot find a space in either of the two nearby council-run car parks, so are forced to use the Linford Road one instead, owned by the East Thames Housing Association.

Mr Daly, 55, of Wadham Avenue, Walthamstow, returned to his Renault Laguna six minutes after his one hour ticket had expired, but found a stern-faced clamper standing next to it.

The man, from clamp firm CES, also had a tow truck and threatened to take his car away unless he coughed up £365 on the spot.Mr Daly said: "How can they get away with clamping your car and towing it away if you don't find the cash there and then?

"£365 is over the top."

He was forced to find a local shop with an ATM machine and used his credit card to pay the bill.

He said: "At least with a council ticket people have more of an opportunity to find the money, and the amount is usually reasonable."

There is a small sign at the car park which warns motorists their cars may be clamped, but it is not easily noticeable.

The firm's ruthless policy was first highlighted by the Guardian in October.

Health workers from the centre and staff from nearby shops were furious when free parking was axed, and staff at the health centre had to stump up £365 to bail out a couple whose car was clamped when they took their toddler to the clinic.

Parking meters have since been installed.

According to the British Parking Association Code of Practice, when it comes to parking enforcement on private land, motorists who have overstayed their paid time should be given a "reasonable grace" period.

It also states that signs should be placed so all drivers are aware of the risk of clamping.