A local authority has been forced to issue a public apology after discovering it wrongly fined thousands of motorists over an 11-year period.
An investigation by Reading Borough Council revealed that 6,136 penalty charge notices were incorrectly issued between 2013 and 2024 due to errors with traffic regulation orders in the area.
The mistake now means that the council may have to reimburse approximately £357,000 to those affected. Five areas across Reading were impacted by the error, including parts of Kings Road, Wokingham Road, and several parking permit schemes.
The errors came to light when a staff member reported a defect earlier this year, prompting a wider review of Traffic Regulation Orders in the area.
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Fines for yellow box junctions could see drivers ay £130PATROs are legal instruments that enable the enforcement of road and traffic management schemes, such as parking controls and vehicle restrictions.
The council's chief executive, Jackie Yates, said: "I sincerely apologise to all motorists and residents who have been affected by these errors and urge them to visit the council's website so that we can reimburse them.
"Parking enforcement action was suspended as soon as the council became aware of the specific TRO issues and further action is being taken to ensure that the circumstances which led to this situation don't happen again."
The council has committed to making the reimbursement process as “straightforward as possible” for those wrongly issued with PCNs.
The Council has also identified five specific areas affected by the TRO errors across different time periods.
These include parts of Kings Road and Wokingham Road, Waldeck Street and Swainstone Road permit parking schemes.
Also included are Red Route West between Tilehurst and West Reading, Southcote verge and footway parking ban area, and Tilehurst and Kentwood verge and footway parking ban area.
Red Routes with double red lines prevent vehicles from stopping at any point. If vehicles stopped and their activity was captured on camera, then a PCN would be issued.
Shockingly some errors date back to November 2013. Motorists who paid fines relating to these areas can claim refunds, along with additional interest, from next week.
Affected drivers are encouraged to visit the council's website from Wednesday, October 16, to initiate their refund claims.
The council has already taken swift action to address the situation with parking enforcement in affected areas immediately suspended upon discovery of the TRO issues.
To prevent future errors, the council is implementing additional measures and conducting a thorough review of its processes.
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Drivers were fined in multiple areas around Reading
GETTYProviding claim forms are complete, the council said it expects refunds with interest to be paid within 28 days.
Yates added: “Parking enforcement action was suspended as soon as the Council became aware of the specific TRO issues and further action is being taken to ensure that the circumstances which led to this situation don't happen again.
“On behalf of the council, I sincerely apologise to motorists for the distress and inconvenience caused.”