A HUGE sign directing people to parking at Colchester's Northern Gateway has been put up after dozens of drivers were hit with fines for leaving their cars in the wrong place. 

A week after the new Hollywood Bowl site opened up at Northern Gateway in Colchester, more than 30 unlucky customers received a fine for parking along United Way.

Drivers were left having to pay a £70 fine, with a reduction of 50 per cent if the fine was paid within 28 days.

Clear - There have been smaller signs informing visitors that they cannot park outside Hollywood Bowl put up all along United WayClear - There have been smaller signs informing visitors that they cannot park outside Hollywood Bowl put up all along United Way (Image: Credited)

The fines sparked debate about a lack of signs directing people to the multi storey car park on site. 

Those who were fined claimed that the signs which informed them they could not park outside was not clear.

Now signs put up which indicates the entrance to the new car park, located opposite Wendy’s and Greggs.

Parking - The entrance to the Northern Gateway car parkParking - The entrance to the Northern Gateway car park (Image: Credited)

A spokesperson for Colchester City Council said: “The new signage for the Northern Gateway car park was installed by our parking operator, Total Car Parks, as wayfinding measures while we await the installation of permanent brown tourist signage from Essex Highways.

“The signage is unrelated to recent parking fines in the area.

More - There are signs dotted around the entirety of Northern Gateway and this one sits close by to the car parkMore - There are signs dotted around the entirety of Northern Gateway and this one sits close by to the car park (Image: Credited)

“We are aware that there have been issues with parking in the area and want to reiterate that United Way is a clearway, prohibiting stopping at any time.

“We encourage all drivers to adhere to parking restrictions to avoid receiving a penalty charge notice. The new multi-storey car park behind the Hollywood Bowl offers convenient parking for visitors to the area.”

Councillor for the Mile End ward, David King said: “We welcome steps being taken by those running the site and the car park and Hollywood Bowl to offer clarity on rules which haven’t been observed.  

“People don’t always look when they require, and it helps our residents to know.

“It’s a fantastic site and as it opens its attraction will grow and for people coming from outside Colchester, we want them to have the best experience possible.”

With the signage now clear, visitors should now be able to avoid fines by using the car park which is now clearly located.