COUNCIL bosses have been forced to cancel parking fines and give drivers their money back because the signs were not good enough in a Northwich car park.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) plans to install new signage at the Market Car Park, in Watling Street, after complaints from traders and shoppers that the rules were not clear.

The car park is only open to the public on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

On market days, which fall on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, the car park is for market traders only, who have to display a permit in their vehicle.

The only exception is for Blue Badge holders who can use the car park every day, with their badge correctly displayed.

Since CWAC took over the responsibility for parking enforcement from police in November 2013, a number of motorists have been stung by fines.

Weaverham woman Janet Wilson said: “Once I found it, the sign I missed on entering, that had been turned the other way, does not look like a official sign just says ‘market traders only on market days’ with no mention of being closed to other vehicles and gives no warning of a penalty.

“The other sign down the other end of the car park towards the banks is so high it is untrue.

“I’ve since been past the market car park during the day and there were lots of cars parked that had fell victim also with the yellow penalty notice stickers on their windows.

“We all cannot be stupid for parking there and not realising it is restricted?”

Clr Lynn Riley, CWAC’s executive member for localities, said: “Since the council took over this responsibility, we have been contacted by traders and shoppers who have told us they were unclear about the regulations because the signs were not visible enough.

“We are grateful to those people who took the time to raise this with us and hope that the new signage makes the car park easier for everyone to use.

“In the interests of fairness, we have now cancelled all fines issued by the council to vehicles parked on market days and no further signs will be issued until the new signs are in place.”

To arrange a refund for a fine paid under these circumstances ring CWAC on 0300 123 7024 or email parking@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.