An out-of-date parking meter has left motorists facing £50 fines at a Bedford car park.

Changes to charges made at the beginning of April mean parking after 6pm is no longer free at St Peter's car park, located in the middle of the one-way system by the junction of Kimbolton Road and Goldington Road.

But the meter has not been re-programmed correctly, leaving motorists with no way of paying the correct fee – and a nasty shock afterwards.

Susan Maltby, of Hamble Road, Brickhill, was given a ticket after a visit to her doctor last Wednesday.

She put £1.40 into the meter at 5.15pm – enough for two hours – but on her return she was greeted by a parking ticket issued at 6.05pm.

Husband Arthur said: "These people need to remember that they are there to provide a service, not to milk the general public for more money.

"This was obviously a shock for a person who has never stepped outside of the law.

"We appealed and had the fine quashed, but many elderly people use that car park when visiting the doctors, and would be intimidated into paying the hefty sum."

Coun David Sawyer (Lib Dem, De Parys), said: "It is completely unacceptable.

"This has understandably caused much confusion and anger among users of St Peter's car park. They are already reeling thanks to the massive increase in parking charges, and they deserve better than to be treated like this."

A Bedford Borough Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the fault and the machine is in the process of being re-programmed. This should be completed shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience this fault has caused."

New charges brought in at St Peter's car park this month have taken the overall rise since 2002 to 112 per cent. Free parking has also ended after 6pm in town centre car parks, with a £2 levy introduced.