A BARNT Green publican has called time on commuters who have out stayed their welcome in his car park.

For years The Victoria has honoured an informal agreement allowing free use of its car park when villagers were shopping or visiting the nearby medical centre.

However, parishioners were shocked last week when signs were erected warning drivers they face a £60 fine if they use the Sandhills Lane spaces when they are not at the pub.

Landlord David Foreman claims action was needed because commuters using the parish train station were parking 30 to 40 vehicles at the site from 8am to 6pm and pub-goers were having difficulty finding spaces.

The 38-year-old said: "People can still park here for shopping or going to the doctors.

"We're responsible for issuing the tickets so if people tell us they park here regularly we will take their registration number or they can inform us when leaving a car.

"Commuters have been trying to avoid the £2 station parking charge but we must put customers first and this is our only option."

Six Continents, formally Bass, owns the pub.

Mr Foreman promised to investigate any complaints about tickets and has already ripped up a fine given to an innocent pensioner.

Bromsgrove District Council's ward representative, councillor Margaret Taylor (Con) had initial concerns but is now satisfied the landlord had to take action.

"This is a private car park and I appreciate an informal arrangement has been made for people visiting their GP or visiting shops.

"The arrangement was abused by commuters and this is the consequence."

Central Trains began charging commuters, mainly travelling into Birmingham or Worcester, last year.