Lyme Regis Council Accused of Charging £10,000 in Free Parking Fees
UKPulse Local Desk
Lyme Regis Town Council has been accused of collecting over £10,000 in parking charges and fines on days when its car park should have been free. The council has apologised and promised to implement 'more robust procedures' in future.
- Lyme Regis Town Council collected over £10,000 in parking charges and fines on free parking days
- Council apologised and promised to implement more robust procedures
- Free parking days are meant to support local businesses
Lyme Regis Town Council in Dorset has left drivers reeling after it emerged they have been mistakenly charged over £10,000 in parking fees and fines. The council's Woodmead car park, where the errors occurred, offers free parking on certain days of the year - a perk that is supposed to benefit locals and tourists alike.
Residents and visitors to the town are up in arms after discovering they had been charged for parking when it should have been free. One driver, who wished to remain anonymous, described being "shocked" by the charges, saying: "I'd parked my car there on a Sunday thinking it was free, but I got a fine through the post the following week."
The council has yet to comment on how the mistake occurred or what steps they will take to rectify the situation. Local business owners are also concerned about the impact of the errors on trade, with some calling for greater transparency over parking charges.
Why this matters: This mistake has undermined the trust of local businesses and visitors, highlighting the importance of accurate implementation of free parking schemes.
What this means for you: What this means for you: If you have visited Lyme Regis and been charged parking fees on a free parking day, you may be entitled to a refund. However, you will need to provide evidence within six months to claim your refund.