Council Car Park Fees Error: Refunds Due

West Northamptonshire Council has acknowledged an error regarding its recent car park fee adjustments. The council failed to conduct a statutory public consultation before increasing charges on April 1. As a result, the authority has committed to reimbursing drivers who were overcharged.

This oversight means that the removal of two hours of free weekend and bank holiday parking, along with discounts for blue badge holders, is being addressed. The council stated that refunds would be processed automatically for card and app payments. However, individuals who paid in cash or are blue badge holders are required to complete a short online form to claim their reimbursement.

Those eligible for refunds include blue badge holders who were charged, drivers who paid increased weekend rates, and those who paid to park in specific Northampton town centre car parks on bank holidays. Additionally, drivers who paid increased charges at Albion Place, Campbell Square, Midsummer Meadow, St John's multi-storey, or Upper Mounts car parks are entitled to a refund. Any Penalty Charge Notices issued in April for affected car parks will be cancelled, with paid notices refunded automatically. The council has urged affected individuals to allow "a few weeks" for all refunds to be processed due to the high volume of transactions.