Thousands of UK drivers have been wrongly issued parking fines over the past six years, with a local council now offering refunds totalling more than £300,000. Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) in Surrey confirmed that incorrect penalties were handed out in car parks across Esher, Cobham, Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames due to a procedural error.
The majority of invalid fines were issued between 8am and 9am, or between 6pm and 7pm, since January 6, 2020. Additionally, incorrect penalties may have been given on any Sunday since April 24, 2022. Over 9,000 motorists are believed to have been affected.
EBC has set up an online application form where drivers can check if they are eligible for a refund by entering their vehicle registration number. Successful claimants will receive their money within two weeks of submitting a valid application, even if they no longer own the vehicle.
Dawn Crewe, Strategic Director at EBC, apologised for the error, stating: 'I am very sorry that a procedural error has led to parking fines being issued incorrectly... The refund process will be kept as straightforward as possible.'
