MOTORISTS across West Somerset could be stung with a £50 parking fine even though they have paid for a valid ticket. That’s the warning from driver Jonathan Marsh, 28, who says he was hit with a fine despite using the Phone and Pay service.

Jonathan used his phone in a Minehead car park, paying £5.70 plus 14p admin charge for an all-day ticket, and was stunned to find a £50 ticket on his windscreen. He contacted West Somerset Council to insist he had parked legally.

“The council subsequently cancelled all charges stating their systems were experiencing an unforeseen technical issue around the time of the Penalty Charge Notice and that the Parking Charge Notice was served incorrectly,” said Jona-than.

“There were several signs clearly displaying the Phone and Pay service at this particular car park, so I thought there wouldn’t be any issues using this new and easy way to pay for parking.”

The Pay and Park service registers vehicle details but does not issue a paper parking ticket to display. Jonathan believes the system is causing both motorists and council headaches as many other fines may have also been incorrectly served on vehicle owners.

A spokeswoman for West Somer-set Council said it was looking into the matter.