Hundreds apply for refunds over parking fines error

A council has received more than 300 applications for parking ticket refunds within the first month of a scheme launching to allow drivers to claim their money back on fines issued in error.

Elmbridge Borough Council in Surrey opened the refund scheme on 3 June and said it had received 305 applications as of 7 July, with 260 already paid out.

The council said more than 9,000 people were affected, with more than £300,000 paid in fines at 17 of its car parks in Esher, Cobham, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge.

It said it discovered the error while updating its parking terms and conditions and admitted it did not have the legal powers to issue them.

A further 21 applications were in progress, while 24 had been rejected, it said.

A council spokesperson previously told the BBC that anyone who could provide proof of payment and vehicle details should be able to reclaim their money, with refunds expected within two weeks.

The fines were issued at car parks during early morning and evening hours from January 2020, and at multiple sites on Sundays from April 2022.

A deadline for claims has been set for March 2037.

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