Furious drivers in Westminster are demanding refunds after being hit with incorrect parking fines due to what the council admits was a "human error."
Dozens of motorists received penalty charge notices (PCNs) despite parking legally, with some even being fined while their pay-and-display tickets were clearly visible.
Council Admits Mistake
A Westminster City Council spokesperson acknowledged the blunder, stating: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused. A small number of PCNs were issued incorrectly due to human error during processing."
The council confirmed they are reviewing all affected cases and will cancel unjustified fines, but many drivers report struggling to get through to the appeals department.
Victims Speak Out
Local resident Sarah Thompson told reporters: "I had a valid ticket displayed, yet still got a £65 fine. When I called to appeal, I was on hold for 45 minutes before giving up."
Business owner Raj Patel shared a similar experience: "This is the third time this has happened to me this year. The system is clearly broken, and it's costing honest drivers time and money."
What To Do If Affected
If you believe you've received an incorrect PCN in Westminster:
- Check your ticket or payment confirmation
- Gather evidence (photos, receipts)
- Submit a formal challenge via the council website
- Keep records of all correspondence
The council advises that genuine mistakes will be rectified, but warns that properly issued fines must still be paid.
