A pay-and-display machine is “taking money under false pretences”, according to a nearby minicab firm.

Drivers at Panda Cars, High Road, Chadwell Heath, have been left confused by the installation of the ticket machine opposite their office, which they claim is redundant.

The confusion created by the machine, which conflicts with parking signs also covering the stretch of road, has reportedly also left traffic wardens unclear on the rules in the area.

‘Bagged off’

A council spokesman admitted the machine had been switched on prematurely without any “bay markings or time plates in place”.

He said: No Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued for Pay & Display contraventions at this location.

“The machine will be bagged off to avoid further confusion until the site becomes operational.

“As always we would consider any representation against a parking charge notice believed to be wrongly issued.”

The machine currently charges 60p for half an hour of parking and �1.10 for a full hour, while signs state there should be no parking between 8am-6.30pm.

A driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “First they put a sign up saying no parking at certain times and no loading.

“Now they have put a pay-and- display machine in there and wardens are telling us that it doesn’t matter if we pay, we will still get ticketed.

“Wardens say they don’t really know what’s going on.”

Calls to the council have resulted in no response, according to the drivers who say they have all had �50 tickets.

Panda Cars manager Terry Hoskin said: “It’s not just a problem for the drivers, it’s a problem for the public too. It’s a conflict of information.”