IT'S probably the most costly round of coffees that Keith Poultney will ever buy.

Financial adviser Mr Poultney outstayed his welcome at McDonalds near the Coldra on the outskirts of Newport and got a ticket through the post from a parking company demanding £100.

Mr Poultney agreed to meet a business colleague at the restaurant but did not realise there was a nasty surprise waiting for anyone who stayed longer than 90 minutes.

McDonalds say if customers let staff know they are going to be stay beyond the maximum time they should let staff know so they don't get a ticket.

He said: "We decided to meet at McDonalds because he was not from the area and the place was easy to find.

"He was about half an hour, we had our meeting and we left. I had no idea there was any problem until a ticket arrived in the post.

"Most places allow two hours and I had no idea it was only 90 minutes at McDonalds. I did not see the signs in the car park and there was nothing on the door or the tables.

"I went back but the staff were not very helpful. They just said there were signs and they did not control the car park.

"I can understand they need to control the car park but they should not penalise genuine customers.

"It has a café-style feel to it as if they want you to spend time there."

Mr Poultney paid the fine early qualifying for a "discount" of 50 per cent.

He added: "I won't go back there but I would say to anyone who goes there to watch how long they spend there."

A McDonalds spokeswoman said: "In an effort to make sure there are always parking spaces available for our customers, we have parking restrictions in place at around 10 per cent of our restaurants, including our Newport McDonald's restaurant which displays a 90 minute limited stay.

"The restrictions were put in place because of problems we were experiencing ranging from minicab drivers using our car parks as waiting bays between fares, to people leaving their cars for several hours while using nearby amenities.

"In each of the restaurants where parking restrictions are necessary, we try to make the parking policy fair and we make every effort to communicate the parking arrangements, including clear signage in the car park. 

"Customers are welcome to spend as long as they need in our restaurants but if their stay will exceed the stated maximum parking time, they should let the restaurant staff know their registration details so that we can ensure they don't receive a parking charge."