GREAT Western Hospital visitors were shocked to see what appeared to be parking tickets slapped on the windscreens of staff cars.

Emma Jayne said: “Disappointing to see a row of parking enforcement tickets in the NHS staff car park at this time. I feel awful whose cars they were. They’re going to come out after a hard day and find those."

The notices appeared on vehicles parked at the hospital on Thursday.

Though at first glance they appeared to be fines, no parking charges were actually given out.

A GWH spokeswoman said: “Car parking is currently free for all patients, visitors and staff. Reminders may be issued to vehicles parked outside of allocated spaces to encourage drivers to park considerately.

"On this occasion, mention of a possible parking charge notice was included in error.”