SHOPPERs at a Clacton Co-op are being stung with unexpected parking fines, despite promises of ‘two hours free parking.’ Now, the Co-op has said it is to review the signage that shoppers have called “confusing.”

Derek Stock said he recently visited the Co-op in Old Road, and at the rear car park a former parking machine had been removed and a sign had been erected saying ‘two hours free.’ However, shoppers now have to give their registration details to a machine by the counter in the Co-op or several neighbouring stores to get the free parking.

However, Mr Stock said when he called into the Co-op, staff did not know the procedure and had to call a manager.

“That was queueing after a few minutes. I ended up eight minutes over. When I went back to the car, there were two very confused ladies wondering how they had to pay for parking, so that was a few more minutes added to my time. Now, I’m potentially £60 or £100 worse off,” he said.

Mr Stock has appealed to the parking authority that runs the system for the Co-op.

He said there are many comments on social media from other shoppers caught out.

“We have had a lot of unrest about it,” he said.

Other shoppers have posted online saying they have been caught out and will never use that particular store and the Co-op will lose custom.

Others describe the ‘fine’ as a charge and advice how you might legally avoid payment.

Clacton councillor and parking campaigner Andy Pemberton said many people have been hit with fines and the Co-op should remove the word free and reimburse affected shoppers.

“Over 100 people have been ticketed. The Co-op is going to lose revenue,” he said.

East of England Co-op said the parking enforcement system at its Old Road store was introduced to help shoppers struggling to find somewhere to park and shop in its store.

“This was in response to people using our parking spaces to shop elsewhere, or as part of their daily commute,” said a spokesman.

“We recently switched to a different parking management firm for this store and are aware of comments that have been made by customers. We will be reviewing the signage at the store to help make the system easier to understand.”

The Co-Op confirmed two hours free parking is given for customers who input their registration instore and ten minutes are also given for people using the ATM without the need to register.

The car park system is managed by a third party, who can be contacted on 0115 822 5020.