Disabled visitors to Basildon's new flagship shopping complex are being caught out by being charged to park.

A policy to charge orange badge holders to park in Westgate Park's disabled bays was introduced this week, sparking fury among those who assumed it was free.

Disgruntled driver, Laurence Harvey, 68, of Paxfords, Laindon, was one of 34 to be caught out.

He now faces paying a £15 fine and today urged other disabled drivers to be on their guard.

Mr Harvey said: "I visited the new shopping centre and parked in a disabled parking space. When I returned there were parking tickets on about five cars.

"When I looked at the signs it was stated in small print that we had to pay. I am happy to pay to park and would have done so if I had been aware.

"I just want other people to be aware of the charge before more fines are given."

The charges were introduced this week by APCOA Parking UK Ltd, which manages the new Westgate Park car park and Great Oaks multi-storey.

Mike Scott said: "Drivers using the multi-storey drive up to the exit barriers and pay for their parking. The only difference at Westgate Park is that we ask them to pay and display.

"That car park has been open since early December. Signs have been in place since then warning people these charges would be coming into effect. All people need to do is read the signs."

The company added that there are four signs detailing the charges at the disabled parking bays.

Basildon police said it has had several complaints from motorists caught out by the ruling.

Station office assistant Karen Vincent, said: "Disabled parking bays have been put in but the company is still charging to park in them. The signs are there."

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