A parking firm has been forced to issue refunds to scores of shoppers after incorrectly sending out £50 fines dating back to December.

Over the past week customers of the Canon Lane Retail Park in Tonbridge took to social media, furious, after receiving the tickets for trips made over Christmas.

The outcry led to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council leader, Matt Boughton, and fellow councillors Jon Botten and James Lark stepping in.

Parking at the retail park is restricted to two hours, but it appears an error meant the company that manages the car park, Group Nexus, sent penalty charge notices (PCN) to residents who made trips there on consecutive days after problems recording the exit and entry times.

Drivers expressed their frustration on Facebook.

Paul Mitchell said: "I had not parked there for 19 hours as stated, it's a joke.

"I have appealed and sent details to Matt Boughton. These companies should be held accountable for their inability to get information correct before they send the letters."

Amy Reeves added: "I’ve received one of these - very frustrating and really puts me off visiting those shops now.

"What a hassle to have to appeal against something I haven’t done!"

Cllr Boughton (Con), was contacted by around 50 aggrieved shoppers.

He said:"It is bewildering to try and understand why so many residents have received parking fines incorrectly from Tonbridge Retail Park.

"Many of these go back to late last year, usually when trips were made on consecutive days.

'These companies should be held accountable for their inability to get information correct before they send the letters'

"Often these were in the run up to Christmas when people were wanting to buy presents at M&S, Home Bargains and the other shops at the Retail Park

"I’m working with the Managing Agents, Fidum, to try and persuade the parking enforcement company, Group Nexus, to waive the fines.

"We want to encourage people to come and shop in Tonbridge but this situation gives no confidence to residents that they can park safely while they shop, without risk of picking up a fine. The situation needs to be investigated as there has clearly been an error here."

Yesterday Cllr Boughton confirmed the fines were being withdrawn.

He said: "We are very pleased to have received written confirmation from Group Nexus that they are cancelling the penalty charge notices that have been issued to cars parked in November/December 2021, in Tonbridge Retail Park on Cannon Lane.

"Our thanks to Fidum, who manage the Retail Park, and have understood the issue and the distress this has caused those who have received these letters.

"If there remains anyone who hadn’t yet contacted us and is affected, please let us know with details of your vehicle registration number and the Penalty Charge Notice number. Our email addresses are: jon.botten@tmbc.gov.uk, matt.boughton@tmbc.gov.uk and james.lark@tmbc.gov.uk."

Group Nexus said: "We are aware of some recent issues at Cannons Lane and are currently working closely with our client to resolve matter and refund where appropriate."