Motorists have been unnecessarily paying out for parking as they enjoy the spring sunshine on Canvey.

Jean Lane, who lives opposite a council-run car park in Western Esplanade, Canvey, said dozens of people have been paying the 20p an hour charge - despite it not coming into effect until now.

She said: "The charges only comes into effect every year from Good Friday until late September. I think people thought they had to pay as the covers had been taken off the ticket machines. When I could I kept going over to the car park to tell people they didn't have to pay."

Dave Wells, leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said he had never heard of this complaint being made before.

He said: "There are signs in the car park that explain the charges only come into effect on Good Friday but I can understand the confusion if motorists saw other people getting tickets."

Published Monday, April 21, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo