A RAFT of parking fines are set to be refunded after drivers reported receiving tickets for staying less than the maximum permissible time.

Customers who visited the Dunelm store in Weymouth have been left baffled after receiving fines despite leaving within the 180 minute maximum time frame.

Several drivers took to social media to report receiving a £100 penalty charge notice in the post just days after visiting the store - for stays less than 180 minutes.

The car park is operated by G24 Professional Parking Solutions - the company that is responsible for the issuing of fines rather than Dunelm itself.

Graham Brake, 57 and from Bridport, said he was issued a fine after staying for 144 minutes despite the sign ‘clearly saying’ the maximum allowable stay was three hours.

Mr Brake said: “I went in to get a coffee and sit in a lovely environment and then I’ve got a fine that ruins it all. On top of all I have got the indignity of having to try and resolve it.

“It’s nonsensical, it really is. The sign clearly states free parking up to 180 minutes: on the fine ticket we received it says we were there for 144 minutes and it’s up to me to go through the nonsense process of getting it sorted. 

“I live in Bridport but we like going to Weymouth to support business but things like this will just turn people away.”

The store has now confirmed that all fines erroneously issued are in the process of being refunded and that people can expect to receive letters confirming this in the coming days.

Dunelm’s Head Office did not respond to request for comment but a social media post from the Weymouth branch apologised ‘on behalf’ of G24. 

They said: “To anyone who has had a parking fine for parking in the car park for less than 3 hours, I can now confirm that this has now been fixed and all parking fines cancelled. You will all receive a letter in the post confirming the cancellation and all we can do is apologise for the mix up on their behalf.”

G24 has been approached for comment.