If you need a parking ticket but the machine is not working, you must pay by phone – but you will end up paying extra for the privilege.

Ray Chalker, 67, of Redbridge, attempted to pay for parking his car in Cranbrook Road, Ilford, and had to use the fee-charging number because the parking meter was not working.

It and other council-run pay and displays across Redbridge tell drivers they must use the phone service, operated by RingGo, if the machine is out of order.

The company’s website is written on the information board, with drivers expected to log on if they want to read the terms and conditions.

Mr Chalker said: “It seemed like another system on top of everything else. As well as paying for the parking ticket, it seems I also have to pay for the phone call.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said calls are charged at a local rate, adding: “Motorists are encouraged to check with their mobile operator for the exact costs.”

He added: “The RingGo system means that motorists have more options as to how they pay for their parking and can top up their parking on the go rather than at a ticket machine.

“While the cost of the phone call represents a small charge on top of the cost for parking we believe that its convenience and benefits provide value for money.”

The spokesman added: “The council would also state that before April 2013 those using RingGo were required to pay an additional 20p convenience charge.

“However, after listening to motorists’ feedback, we agreed to absorb this charge.”