Isle of Wight Newport car park users wrongly charged

Those leaving their vehicle at Newport's Seaclose Car Park over the last two weekends were 'shocked' to find they had to pay after the offer of free parking was no longer available.

Signage and ticket machines indicated charges now applied seven-days-a-week, rather than just Monday to Friday.

Councillor for Fairlee and Whippingham, Matthew Price, who has always campaigned for free weekend parking at the car park, said he was 'furious' and vowed to fight the decision.

However, it has now emerged that free parking has, in fact, not been withdrawn.

The council said, 'regretfully', it installed the wrong signage.

A council spokesperson said: “The concession for parking at Seaclose at weekends has not been removed.

A sticker has been placed over the 'error'. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

"Regretfully, as part of recent tariff changes the wrong information boards were erected, this was corrected by Saturday, July 22 morning.

"We apologise for any inconvenience.”

Cllr Price said the gaff was 'annoying'.

He said: "I have fought every year to retain the free weekend parking at Seaclose and will continue to do so.

"Especially as we look to improve facilities at Seaclose Park in the future."

The County Press has been told the wrong signage has been in place for the last two weekends.

Anyone who has paid for a ticket during those weekends can get in touch with the council's parking services department for a refund, the local authority said.

As of Thursday, July 27, a sticker has been placed on one sign, next to the ticket machine, saying 'Monday to Friday, including Bank Holidays'.

Most short and long-stay car parks and on-street parking places, including at Seaclose, have recently seen fees rise by 25p.

Parking charges also increased last year and have become a surefire way for the cash-strapped council to 'generate income'.

The rises came into force at the start of July.