DOZENS of drivers have blasted a parking company for running a “money-making scheme” after issuing £100 fines despite people parking within the free 30 minute time limit.

Misleading signs by Premier Park are being blamed for not making it clear that drivers need to enter their number plates in the machine to obtain the free ticket in Station Road car park, Royal Wootton Bassett.

And many are being caught out by the new rules and are warning others to read the small print.

Garth Collins, 77, a retired mechanical engineer, who lives in Glebe Road, parked for 17 minutes after seeing the sign in bold blue writing saying ‘Free 30 minute stay.’

So he was up in arms when a fine for £100 came through his door for ‘exceeding the maximum stay period.’

“I was gutted, annoyed but I said I am not paying it and will take it right to the bitter end,” said Garth, who has his appeal rejected and is considering legal action.

“It’s a money-making scheme. The only ones not getting tickets are the ones who are paying to park longer.”

Dee Freestone, 63, of Saltspring Drive, also parked in the car park for 20 minutes and received a fine through the post last week.

“There is a huge sign – free 30 minutes stay,” she said.

“I was in a rush and I didn’t bother to read the ‘follow instructions on screen’ and I assumed the instructions were for if you were going to pay.

“I came back a few days after getting the letter to read the notice and there was a lady here parking her car and she did exactly what I did and walked straight out.

"I told her and we tried four times to work the machine and it took probably about 10 minutes and we eventually got through.

“Whilst we were doing this another person came through and did exactly the same, looked at the free 30 minutes stay and walked off."

David Merritt, 65, and his wife Hilary, 67, have also both been hit by a £100 fine after using the car park.

Accountant David said: "If you see a free 30 minute stay sign and you know you’re going to be less than 30 minutes you don’t go to the machine.

“I’ve appealed it and it has been turned down as they have said it has been correctly issued. I’m going to take legal advice. I’m not of a mind to give this up - it’s another con car parks produce on drivers."

Meanwhile another pensioner, who was fined after her 13 minute stay, added: "The sign is very misleading. I will no longer be shopping in the town and I live in the area."

Dozens more have also contacted the Adver and Gazette and Herald reporting they have been stung by a fine in the car park. Royal Wootton Bassett Mayor Mary Champion has also been contacted by drivers.

Previously the car park allowed people to park for free for 45 minutes and then 30 minutes without a ticket. The new rules were introduced a few weeks ago when My Local, behind the car park, closed.

A spokesman from Premier Park said: “There are clear and ample signs in and around the car park and we are not aware of any issues experienced by motorists who have taken the time to read these signs.”