Motorists have been warned not to get caught out by new £100 fines being enforced in a restaurant car park.

The penalties for non-customers have been brought in at the Toby Carvery near Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs.

While many residents say the measures make sense, others say the “small print” has already been missed by some drivers.

Helen Akers posted about the rules on social media to make sure others were aware of the change.

She wrote: “My husband went a few weeks ago, didn't think to look for new signage - and a lovely fine (penalty) arrived in the post.”

Ronald Michael remarked on her post: “Won't be going there again.”

Aaron Kluiby commented: “Bye bye TC.”

Phil Smith added: “Who had time to read the small print on that sign?”

The sign photographed by Mrs Akers states the car park is only for guests, who must tap in their registration details on a console inside the restaurant.

Non-customers using the spaces can be issued with a £100 parking charge notice, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Diners who overlook registering their cars can have their ticket cancelled if they can prove they were customers at the time of parking.

Most people responding to Ms Akers’ post believe the move is reasonable and workable, saying the signage is obvious and clear.

Gina Mapes said the console had been there for at least three weeks, adding: “The machine is inside the main entrance, tap your reg plate in, confirm, job done no hassles.”

Aaron Dunsby wrote: “Loads of restaurant chain car parks do that so the spaces can be used by their actual customers.”

Sarah Louise Coates said: “When you walk in you practically trip over a big sign about it and the registration tablet is on the front desk. “

A spokesperson for Toby Carvery’s parent company Mitchells and Butlers said: "The decision to introduce parking measures is made on a site-by-site basis at a local level.

"Parking monitoring systems have been introduced at a number of our pubs and restaurants due to the overuse of the car parks by non-guests.

“This means at times those intending to visit one of our businesses couldn’t as the car park was already full.

“Paying guests will be able to use the car park free of charge where these systems have been installed.

"The new system asks guests visiting the pub/restaurant to enter their car registration into a number of tablets located inside the pub/restaurant, giving them free use of the car park when visiting.

“We’ve installed multiple signs inside the pub/restaurant and across the car park informing guests of the new system. We’re also encouraging our team to make sure guests are fully aware of the new parking arrangements.”