Hundreds claim refunds after major parking blunder saw motorists incorrectly fined for six years

Hundreds of Surrey drivers have applied for refunds after a local council admitted it wrongly issued thousands of parking fines over six years.

Elmbridge Borough Council has revealed it has received 305 refund applications since launching its parking fine refund scheme on June 3.

By July 7, the authority had already paid back 260 motorists, while 21 applications were still being processed and 24 were found to be ineligible.

The council estimated that more than 9,000 Penalty Charge Notices were incorrectly issued, with motorists paying more than £300,000 in fines across 17 council-run car parks in Esher, Cobham, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge.

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The mistake came to light after the council reviewed its parking arrangements and discovered a procedural error, which meant it did not have the legal powers to enforce some parking restrictions.

Councillor Mike Rollings, Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, apologised to drivers affected by the mistake.

He said: "We're determined to put this right quickly, and we will open a clear, simple refund process as soon as possible so people can get their money back."

Similarly, Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, added: "I'm very sorry this happened, and I know it will have caused real inconvenience for some people.

"That's why I'm determined to open the refund process ASAP. When it does open, I encourage anyone affected to contact us so we can process their refund. Once a claim is approved, we aim to pay refunds within two weeks."

The council has now urged anyone who believes they were wrongly fined to check whether they qualify for a refund by entering their vehicle registration on the council's website.

Applicants will need to provide their name and contact details, vehicle registration number, proof that they paid the parking fine and bank details so the refund can be paid directly into their account.

Drivers who no longer own the vehicle can still make a claim if they know the registration number.

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Once an application has been submitted, the council said it will check the claim against its records, contact applicants if more information is needed and pay successful claims within two weeks.

A spokesperson previously said anyone who can provide proof of payment and their vehicle details should be able to reclaim their money.

The incorrect fines were issued during specific times between January 2020 and April 2026, affecting drivers parked between 8am and 9am or 6pm and 7pm at several council car parks.

Meanwhile, Ashley Park in Walton-on-Thames was affected between 8am and 10am, while parking fines issued on Sundays at several sites from April 24, 2022, were also affected.

Impacted car parks

Between 8am and 9am, or between 6pm and 7pm, from January 6, 2020, to April 2026:

Baker Street, Weybridge

Berguette, Esher

Cedar Road, Cobham

Churchfield Road, Weybridge

Civic Centre, Esher

Drewitts Court ground floor and upper, Walton-on-Thames

Heather Place, Esher

Highwaymans Cottage, Esher

Hollyhedge Road, Cobham

Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames

Monument Hill, Weybridge

Between 8am and 10am, or 6pm and 7pm, from January 6, 2020, to April 2026:

Ashley Park, Walton-on-Thames

On any Sunday from April 24, 2022, to April 2026:

Ashley Park, Walton-on-Thames

Baker Street, Weybridge

Berguette, Esher

Cedar Road, Cobham

Civic Centre, Esher

Drewitts Court ground floor and upper, Walton-on-Thames

Heather Place, Esher

Heath North, Weybridge

Heath South, Weybridge

Highwaymans Cottage, Esher

Hollyhedge Road, Cobham

Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames

Mayfield Road, Hersham

Monument Hill, Weybridge

Station Avenue, Walton-on-Thames

Walton Park, Walton-on-Thames

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