Sir.-There seem to be some extremely petty regulations and reinforcement over the parking regulations in Basingstoke town centre.

Several members of the congregation - and even the assistant priest - of the Sunday morning service at All Saints Church, in Southern Road, Basingstoke, had parking tickets issued while the half-hour service was taking place.

Apparently, a small sign has recently appeared outside the Fairfields Arts Centre that states the lay-by is now for residents parking only.

Someone must have decided that the congregation is a good source of income - and the enforcer must be very prompt on a Sunday morning, as the service is only half-an-hour or so long!

I don't think it is unreasonable that the priest and assistant priest should be classed as residents so at least they can attend church without fear of prosecution and fines.

Alternatively, perhaps the members of the congregation could have a special collection to help out council funds, if necessary.

Is it too much to ask for a little common sense to be exercised by the planning/parking authority in this matter?

-David Hubbard, Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke.