Reimbursement scheme for some parking penalty charges remains open for claims

21 October 2019

Cheshire East Council still wishes to hear from motorists who suspect they were incorrectly issued with a penalty charge notice owing to a legal technicality.

The penalty charge notices (PCNs) were incorrectly issued on seven of the borough’s car parks between 26 October 2015 and 13 March 2019.

An investigation by the council discovered that 675 PCNs, issued owing to a parking contravention, were not enforceable. The council is seeking to reimburse all drivers who were incorrectly ticketed.

The notices were issued at the following car parks: Fairview, Fannys Croft and Station Road in Alsager; London Road in Holmes Chapel; and Hawk Street, Chapel Street and Brookhouse Road in Sandbach.

A reimbursement scheme was established and the scheme was made public in July. It is overseen by an independent reviewer. The total value of the penalties imposed is £19,467 and the council wishes to remind residents that the reimbursement scheme is still operating and open for inquiries.

Frank Jordan, executive director of place and acting deputy chief executive, said: “We would like to apologise to motorists affected by this error and urge them to contact the council, so that we can examine their claim and reimburse the incorrect charges.

“To date, we have been able to refund in 15 cases with a total of £385. Naturally, we would like to be able to reimburse everyone who was incorrectly charged.”

The error came to light during a consultation in connection with a review of parking charges across the borough.

Anyone who suspects they were wrongly issued with a PCN on one of the seven car parks should visit the council website or call 0300 123 5500.

If you qualify for a reimbursement, you will be notified within 28 days.