SIR — I enjoyed last weekend in Minehead, where I was told that tourist numbers are down on previous years. Like most tourists, I spent money on accommodation, food and drink.

On my way home on Sunday I decided to round-off my visit with a cream tea at Dunster.

I pulled into Dunster Steep car park. It was full but there were no coaches there so I pulled in there and bought a ticket at 4.25 p.m. At this hour on a Sunday Dunster is unlikely to get a single coach.

I was surprised on my return to have the cost of my cream tea surcharged £15 for parking in an area set aside for coaches.

Technically I was in the wrong, but the officious, vindictive nature of the inspector has made me decide not to return to an area I often visit.

If Somerset needs tourists then I suggest it gives car park inspectors an injection of common sense.

J W Radgick,

St Andrew's Road,

Exmouth.