Home / Business and Economy / Council Refunds £50k After Parking Fee Blunder
Council Refunds £50k After Parking Fee Blunder
3 Jul
Summary
- Thousands received over £50,000 in refunds due to incorrect parking charges.
- The council failed to conduct a required public consultation for new fees.
- Nearly 42,000 parking transactions were affected by the council's error.
West Northamptonshire Council has issued refunds totaling over £50,000 following an error in charging for off-street parking in Northampton town centre. The council had introduced higher parking charges in April without undertaking the necessary statutory public consultation. Consequently, more than 42,000 parking transactions were overcharged, with drivers receiving an average refund of approximately £1.20. The authority has since refunded £50,928. Additionally, any Penalty Charge Notices issued during the period were cancelled or refunded if already paid.
The error also resulted in an estimated £37,000 loss of parking income for the council, as payment machines were covered and parking was made free for five days while the issue was rectified. The council reverted to its previous parking charges from May 1st while initiating the correct Traffic Regulation Order consultation process. Most refunds were processed automatically for those who paid by card or app, while cash and Blue Badge holders were directed to an online form.
