Parking meter mixup

Parking meters in and around The Hoe were recently updated with Plymouth City Council’s increased charges - sparking an immediate outcry.

The meters in the 16995 / Zone 3 area around the waterfront appeared to suggest drivers could spend £2.40 to park for "one hour", with no other option but to park for 24 hours at a total cost of £16.50.

There was uproar on social media, particularly from sea swimmers who were used to paying to park for just over one hour, allowing enough time for a swim, a change, and perhaps a coffee.

Plymouth City Council later admitted there had been a printing error - with the signs supposed to say £2.40 ‘per hour’ rather than £2.40 for ‘one hour’.

PCC said: "This issue came to light when a customer queried it, and as soon as the parking team were made aware of the error, they arranged to have the signs reprinted. The machines are being updated to avoid any further confusion."

The Beagle went for a walk and observed that the parking signage had indeed been tweaked. We wonder how much the gaffe has cost council tax payers?