Council pays out £60k over incorrect parking fines
Local Democracy Reporting ServiceA Surrey council has paid out more than £60,000 in refunds for parking fines issued by mistake over a six-year period.
Elmbridge Borough Council launched a refund scheme in June after thousands of parking tickets were incorrectly issued in several of its car parks.
More than 1,800 claims had been filed with the local authority, with the overwhelming majority of these either paid out or scheduled for payment, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The council, which apologised for the mistake, estimated more than 9,000 fines were incorrectly issued.
The scheme is expected to cost the council about £308,000.
Elmbridge Borough Council had contacted some customers to inform them of the scheme and had issued notices in car parks and through the Ringo parking app.
Councillor Kirsty Hewens said: "I am sorry this situation occurred and the inconvenience it has caused.
"Our focus remains on ensuring everyone affected receives the refund they are entitled to."
Affected car parks
Anyone who got a penalty charge notice (PCN) in the following car parks between 8:00 and 9:00, and 18:00 and 19:00, from 6 January 2020 may be eligible for a refund:
- Berguette, Civic Centre, Heather Place and Highwayman's Cottage in Esher
- Cedar Road and Hollyhedge Road in Cobham
- Drewitt's Court and Manor Road in Walton-on-Thames
- Churchfield Road, Monument Hill and Baker Street in Weybridge
Anyone fined on Sundays since 24 April 2022 at these car parks could also be entitled to a refund:
- Berguette, Civic Centre, Heather Place and Highwayman's Cottage in Esher
- Cedar Road and Hollyhedge Road in Cobham
- Mayfield Road in Hersham
- Ashley Park, Drewitt's Court, Manor Road, Station Avenue and Walton Park in Walton-on-Thames
- Churchfield Road, Monument Hill, Baker Street, Heath North and Heath South in Weybridge
Drivers who got PCNs issued between 8:00 and 10:00, or between 18:00 and 19:00, from 6 January 2020 in Ashley Park could also be eligible.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
