UPDATE: We accidentally misquoted the council saying there had been a 30p charge, when the council statement said it was a 20p charge.

We apologise for this and have now corrected the statement.

A driver has been left “disgusted” after receiving an additional 30p parking charge when he had no other choice but to use the RingGo app to pay for parking in Bromley.

Andrew, a Bromley resident, had to pay the extra pennies when paying for parking in West Wickham car park on April 8.

He had expected to pay the “advertised” 90p charge, which he says is the price displayed on the signage at the car park.

But after using the RingGo app, which has replaced car parking meters, he was instead required to pay £1.20 for his parking.

Andrew claims that the signage in the area “did not” display this information and has therefore applied for a refund which he says he is entitled to.

Andrew told the News Shopper: “I’ve raised a complaint online to the council requesting a refund.

“Although I accept this is only 30p, out of a matter of principle and legality, the signage does not reflect the RingGo markup.

“Until the borough's car park signage is corrected, I’ll legally be entitled to claim refunds under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

“This is basically a stealth tax on the residents.

“Not only is this very inconvenient to elderly people who may not have smart phones, but it also highlights the issue that will potentially lead to the council paying out refunds.”

A spokesperson for Bromley Council said there has always been a charge to use the RingGo service, and that newly erected signs outline an additional charge to use the app.

The full council statement said: “There has always been a charge for using the RingGoservice, which has not changed, which users are familiar with, with the majority of Borough motorists using RingGo for some time now.

“Following the most recent changes where all motorists need to use RingGo, then the additional newly erected information signs do clearly show the 20p transaction charge, with discretionary chargeable text alerts also able to be opted into and out of by motorists.”

“As with all change, it might take a little time to completely get used to the system if you have not used it before, with the cost of parking, even with this charge, still less than elsewhere.

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“Commuters will have been familiar with this concept for some time as well given that Southeastern station car parking are all pay by phone.

“As well as sharing the service change information with residents for their awareness, we have been talking to motorists in car parks and libraries across the borough to help support those who might want additional information, with full details also available on our website www.bromley.gov.uk/ringgoparkingpayment.”

The News Shopper contacted RingGo for comment.