A mum whose daughter got two parking tickets within 48 hours at Watford McDonald's has urged people "not to fall into the same trap".

Elizabeth Russell said her daughter had met friends for the first time in months at the Garston and North Watford branches before being stunned to receive two £100 fines.

The 19-year-old had stayed for two hours at one site and just over two-and-a-half hours at the other.

Her mum said: "I actually thought it was a scam at first so went online to see if this was genuine only to find hundreds of people being caught out in the same way.

"The main suggestion was to contact the restaurant manager and appeal for him to cancel the fine."

Watford Observer: North Watford's McDonald's. Picture: Google Street ViewNorth Watford's McDonald's. Picture: Google Street View

The 55-year-old said the North Watford branch was understanding and cancelled the ticket but Garston's restaurant was less straightforward, while McDonald's customer service was "extremely unhelpful".

Mrs Russell, from Croxley Green, said after driving back to the restaurant they saw one clear sign at the entrance "which is easily missed", before a large 'customer parking only' sign with smaller print below.

The signs at both sites say 90 minutes maximum stay and no return within 60 minutes.

Having resigned themselves to paying the second fine they then found out it had also been cancelled. 

But Mrs Russell said: "Although I have managed to have both tickets cancelled, I do feel that many innocent customers will get caught out by these restrictions.

Watford Observer: One of the parking signs at North Watford's McDonald'sOne of the parking signs at North Watford's McDonald's

"Although they [McDonald's] have covered themselves legally with the signs they have, I am not sure that they are acting ethically in providing enough information or warnings to the customer to make them fully aware of these restrictions."

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We have parking restrictions in place at a number of our restaurants, with a time limit to ensure there is adequate parking for all of our customers.

"Ample signage regarding these restrictions is clearly displayed both as you drive into the car park and on various lampposts within it.

"If a customer believes they have been issued a ticket incorrectly, they should appeal it as per the parking control company guidelines.”

Watford Observer: Mrs Russell has warned McDonald's fans to be wary of the fine print on the chain's parking signs.Mrs Russell has warned McDonald's fans to be wary of the fine print on the chain's parking signs.