CHESHIRE East Council has identified an error in the previous issuing of penalty charge notices on some free car parks – and is urging people to come forward and claim a reimbursement.

This issue, which was brought to the council’s attention during a recent consultation to increase parking charges, by Councillor Rod Fletcher, has seen 675 penalty charge notices issued incorrectly between 26 October 2015 and 13 March 2019.

All 675 issued were due to a parking offence being committed but due to legal technicalities, the penalty charge notices were not enforceable.

The London Road car park in Holmes Chapel is one of those affected and the council has now launched a reimbursement scheme.

The scheme, which will be overseen by an independent reviewer, will ensure any claimants have their cases reviewed.

Frank Jordan, executive director of place and acting deputy chief executive, said: “The issue, of penalty charge notices having been incorrectly issued on seven car parks between October 2015 and March 2019, was brought to our attention during the parking charges consultation period.

“We would like to apologise to those who have been incorrectly issued a penalty charge notice during this time period and urge any affected motorists to claim full reimbursement. Also, I would like to thank Councillor Fletcher for drawing this to our attention.”

If you think you are one of the 675 affected, visit the council website at cheshireeast.gov.uk/parkingclaim for more information, or call 0300 123 5500.

Notification as to whether you qualify for a reimbursement will be received within 28 days.