MOTORISTS who were caught out by “misleading” parking signs have been advised to pay their fines to prevent charges spiralling before making an appeal.

Drivers were left outraged after being fined for parking in Ravensdale car park, off North Road, Great Clacton.

Although it was advertised as free for three hours, motorists were handed fines as the small print stated a registration number must be entered to validate the free parking.

Customers have now been told they can park at the car park without the need to enter their registration, following a campaign by businesses.

Tendring councillor Richard Everett and Clacton’s MP Giles Watling took up the fight on behalf of motorists who had been caught out before the changes.

Mr Watling is now encouraging residents to pay first and then appeal disputed car parking tickets to prevent “spiralling” costs.

He said that as more time passes late payment fees and administration charges are added, which means that the cost that is due to be repaid is then significantly higher than the original fine.

He said: “First and foremost, I encourage all motorists to thoroughly check car park signage to ensure that they comply with the parking requirements of that specific car park as this can differ from car park to car park.

“However, should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being issued with a fine then I urge you to pay the fine and dispute it afterwards.”

Mr Watling added he is delighted a number of motorists have successfully appealed their tickets.

He said: “If you believe your fine was not justified then please follow the appeal procedure.”

Mr Watling said a number of “distressed” residents have contacted him after being fined for parking in the Ravensdale car park.

A number have now successfully appealed to independent appeals service Parking on Private Land Appeal – without Smart Parking defending the cases.

Tendring Council has asked Smart Parking, which operates the car park, to reconsider a previous decision to refuse parking appeals on the ground it “appears to be misleading”.

Smart Parking previously said: “We are members of the British Parking Association and follow its guidelines strictly.”