Worshippers ticketed by council during Mother's Day church service in Northampton

Three motorists received Penalty Charge Notices while parked on the portico of All Saints Church on Sunday (March 26).

Father Oliver Coss of All Saints Church Tweeted the Chronicle & Echo, he said: "They [officers] have a right to ticket, but just very mean-hearted on a Sunday with lots of visitors.

"But, more to the point, there are no signs, no double yellow lines, no indication whatever that people can't park there."

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “It should be noted that parking is free in Northampton town centre, both on-street and in the car parks every Sunday, and therefore there are plenty of available parking space to all visitors to the town.

“Parking on the portico area outside All Saints Church is illegal and penalty charge notices will be issued to any vehicles parking in contravention of the no waiting time restriction.

“The only exemptions are for loading and unloading - providing this is a continuous activity - disabled drivers clearly displaying a valid blue badge and clock set at the time of arrival, and wedding and funeral cars.”