Thousands of drivers could receive refunds for parking tickets that were incorrectly issued by a local council over the last six years.
Elmbridge Borough Council in Surrey has opened a refund scheme for drivers who were falsely issued parking fines in some council-owned car parks.
The penalty charge notices were issued in error as a result of a "procedural issue" impacting parking arrangements from 2020 onwards.
Impacted car parks where the issue was present include Esher, Cobham, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge.
More than 9,000 parking fines were incorrectly issued, which prompted an apology from councillors during May's cabinet meeting.
They also agreed to a refund process that will open this month, with eligible claims expected to be paid within two weeks.
Dawn Crewe, strategic director at Elmbridge Borough Council, said: "We are very sorry that a procedural error led to some parking fines being issued incorrectly.
"Once we identified the issue, we worked quickly to put things right and introduce a refund scheme."
More than 9,000 parking tickets could be eligible for refunds
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Ms Crewe emphasised that the council had worked to create a process that was "as straightforward as possible" for affected motorists to claim money.
Drivers who believe they have been affected can visit the council's parking fine refund page or ring the council if they cannot apply online.
They should then state their contact details, provide their vehicle registration number, share proof of payment and submit their application.
Councillor Mike Rollings, leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, apologised to all drivers in the area that was affected by the error.
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Refunds could be awarded for the Civic Centre car park in Esher
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He said: "We're determined to put this right quickly, and we will open a clear, simple refund process as soon as possible so people can get their money back."
This was echoed by Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, who added that she was working to open the refund process "as soon as possible".
She continued, saying: "I'm very sorry this happened, and I know it will have caused real inconvenience for some people.
"When it does open, I encourage anyone affected to contact us so we can process their refund. Once a claim is approved, our aim is to pay refunds within two weeks."
The parking refund portal has been set up in just two weeks by Elmbridge Borough Council
| GETTYParking fines issued between 8am-9am, and between 6pm-7pm, in the following car parks since January 6, 2020, may be eligible for a refund
- Berguette, Esher
- Civic Centre, Esher
- Heather Place, Esher
- Highwayman’s Cottage, Esher
- Cedar Road, Cobham
- Hollyhedge Road, Cobham
- Drewitt’s Court, Walton-on-Thames
- Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames
- Churchfield Road, Weybridge
- Monument Hill, Weybridge
- Baker Street, Weybridge
Parking fines issued on any Sunday in the following car parks since April 24, 2022, may be eligible for a refund
- Berguette, Esher
- Civic Centre, Esher
- Heather Place, Esher
- Highwayman’s Cottage, Esher
- Cedar Road, Cobham
- Hollyhedge Road, Cobham
- Mayfield Road, Hersham
- Ashley Park, Walton-on-Thames
- Drewitt’s Court, Walton-on-Thames
- Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames
- Station Avenue, Walton-on-Thames
- Walton Park, Walton-on-Thames
- Churchfield Road, Weybridge
- Monument Hill, Weybridge
- Baker Street, Weybridge
- Heath North, Weybridge
- Heath South, Weybridge