DRIVERS who were left irate after being fined for using a car park in Great Clacton are celebrating after their fines were cancelled by an independent appeals service.

Motorists were left outraged after being fined for parking in the Ravensdale car park, just off North Road.

The car park had previously been under fire for charging a £60 penalty, even though it is advertised as free parking for three hours.

However small print stated that a registration number must be entered to validate the free parking, which was branded as “misleading” by users.

Smart Parking, which operates the car park, said there was “no problem” with the signage although the sign was later changed in a bid to make it clearer.

Tendring councillor Richard Everett and Clacton MP Giles Watling took up the fight on behalf of 54 motorists.

The first 14 appeals returned from independent appeals service Parking on Private Land Appeal (Popla) have been successful – without Smart Parking defending the cases.

“I am really pleased that the first 14 appeals have been successful representing – this means for those motorists they will not have to pay the £100 fines issued wrongly to them.

“Now the fight moves on to the unfortunate people who have been issued with debt collection notices for £160."

Clacton MP Giles Watling said the car park, which had been free to use for many years, was important to residents and traders in Great Clacton.

He added: "We want to encourage people to visit and shop in our area, not to discourage them.

"Parking rules and regulations should be reasonable - if they are not reasonable then that is not good enough."

Smart Parking previously said it was brought in to manage the car park to insure all people are treated equally and fairly.

“We are members of the British Parking Association (BPA) and follow its guidelines strictly,” it said.

“When parking on private land we would remind motorists to always read the terms and conditions of use before deciding to park.”

Anyone whose appeal against a parking fine to Smart Parking is rejected can also appeal through Popla.