A war of words between a car park company and drivers has continued after the boss of the parking operator fought back about accusations of "ludicrous" fines.

National Parking Enforcement (NPE) are punishing parents and guardians who park outside the shops at Earlham House in the parent and child parking spaces but leave their kids - aged 12 or under - in their vehicle.

A group of grandparents who were issued fines by the company last year have slammed the policy.

Norwich Evening News: Pete Wilks, Sandi George and Denise Carlo next to the yellow warning poster at Earlham House ShopsPete Wilks, Sandi George and Denise Carlo next to the yellow warning poster at Earlham House Shops (Image: John Greenaway)

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Pete Wilks, who lives in the Golden Triangle, said he was "astonished" to receive a charge notice for breaking the condition after his partner stayed in the car with their sleeping grandchild.

Sandi George called her fine "ludicrous" after leaving her children in the car while nipping to the shops.

Norwich Evening News: The fines have been issued at Earlham House Shops, in NR2 - picture taken in 2017The fines have been issued at Earlham House Shops, in NR2 - picture taken in 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

However, NPE has fired back, claiming customers should "park in a regular parking space" if they don't take their children out of the car.

Jonathan Lecaille, managing director at NPE, said: "The parking charge was issued in accordance with the advertised terms and conditions on signage in front of the driver's vehicle and on clear display.

"It's the driver's responsibility to read signs within a car park and decide whether to agree to these terms and conditions or park elsewhere.

Norwich Evening News: The sign put up to warn parents of the possible charges for parking in the parent/child baysThe sign put up to warn parents of the possible charges for parking in the parent/child bays (Image: John Greenaway)

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"A parent and child bay is designed, positioned and marked in such a way that provides safe exit and entry to the parked vehicle by children.

"It's not designed for children to remain in the vehicle - therefore providing a convenient parking space for parents, guardians, or carers to utilise.

"If the driver chooses not to remove a child from the vehicle, they should park in a regular parking space, allowing those parents, guardians or carers who wish to take children out of the vehicle the ability to do so safely and use the parking bay for its correct and intended use."