A time-warping parking meter has been shortchanging users leaving shoppers frustrated.
The meter in question, outside Asha’s Jewellers, Cameron Road, Seven Kings, has been issuing tickets of 15 minutes to shoppers paying for a 30 minute stay.
The parking meter initially shows the correct time on its screen - the time of issue - however, the time shown moves forward five minutes for every 10 pence that is credited.
The malfunctioning meter, which is meant to charge 30 pence for a 30 minute stay, issues a ticket with the expiry time 15 minutes shorter than what was paid for.
Dr Jyoti Patel, 30, of Clayhall was stung by the machine and faces a £60 fine if she does not pay in 14 days.
She said: “I do feel really annoyed, because I did have the best of intentions, it just makes you have less faith in the council.”
The council introduced the 30p for 30 minutes parking scheme in December last year, before it was brought in 30p would buy you 15 minutes parking.
Businesses in the area claim that the faulty meter is affecting their trade, with people becoming reluctant to stop off outside their shops.
Asha Jewellers owner Asha Sadhura said: “We’re losing business because it’s not working, people are always complaining about the machines and the council don’t care.”
Redbridge Council has been contacted for a comment.
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