Maryan Eastwood was making her first visit to Eaton Park of the year after giving birth to her second child but returned to her car to find a £90 fine, as she had not realised charges had been introduced in March.

After finding the penalty notice slapped on her windscreen, she immediately phoned her husband Andrew in tears, who then told her about the changes.

Maryan Eastwood with her children Alby, 2, and Elsie, three months (Image: Andrew Eastwood)

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Ms Eastwood said the journey, on April 30, was her first after undergoing a C-section and said she did not notice new signs as she was still in pain.

She said: "I have been going to Eaton Park to meet a friend for years and this was my first time back after having my first child.

"I had come all the way from Wroxham and it was a big mistake, my two-year-old cried the whole way, as did the newborn.

"I parked up and went off to meet my friend and to my horror when I came back to my car it had a parking ticket.

Parking charges have been introduced at Eaton Park (Image: Newsquest)

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"I called my husband in a panic saying it's always free here what happened? And he informed me they had recently started charging, shame he didn't tell me."

Charges began at the site at midday on March 25 and those living in the area say the new restrictions have had a big impact.

Tickets start at £2 for four hours, season tickets cost £40 for six months and £70 a year but are only valid for up to four hours a day. Blue badge holders can park for free.

Mr Eastwood said the couple have appealed, saying: "The council have shown an incredible lack of compassion.

"We need to make people aware of the charges because, believe me, we can afford the £2 fee.

"It's not like we're serial avoiders or anything, it was the first time it happened.

"Surely we want people to be using these facilities? I don't understand why there's a charge there when no one wants it."

Norwich City Council has been contacted for comment.