A county council has said it will reimburse the parking fines of drivers who were caught out by ‘confusing’ signs.

Over Christmas, Denbighshire County Council ran a ‘Free after 3pm’ scheme in the privately-owned Morfa Hall car park in Rhyl.

The signs advertising free parking were left up after the scheme was stopped, which led a number of drivers to believe it was still operating.

Dozens of people were given penalty notices by the private firm, Smart Parking Technology, who rejected subsequent appeals.

Denbighshire council apologised and promised to ‘fully reimburse’ those individuals who were caught out.

‘Although unintentional, the council accepts that the “Free after 3pm” sign in its car park, and the message on its website, gave the impression that parking was free after 3pm in the privately-owned Morfa Hall car park,’ a council statement said.

‘Since becoming aware of this issue, the council has tried hard to work with Smart Parking and the WCVA to get them to apply some leniency when considering appeals, given the obvious confusion that has been caused.

‘The council has now decided to reimburse those caught out by the “Free after 3” signs and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.’