Thousands of parking tickets refunded as motorists triumph over Westminster Council

It comes after Westminster City Council admitted the signs - which say that charges apply between 8.30am and 6.30pm but do not state that the dual bays became dedicated taxi ranks after 6.30pm - had caused confusion after drivers complained.

Council bosses said the refund is a “one-off exception” and that it does not set a precedent for the making of refunds in future cases in which the validity of PCNs is challenged.

Councillor Nickie Aiken, cabinet member for parking, said: “Dual use bays are all about maximising the space at the kerbside in the city to enable fair and easy parking for everyone.

“However, we accept that the parking signs in these streets could have given rise to confusion among motorists and so we are making a one-off exception - it is the right thing to do. We have now also replaced signs as a result.”

The council said motorists may be eligible for a refund if they received a PCN in the Dual Use bays between the hours of 18:30 and 08:30 during the following dates: Oxendon Street from May 30, 2011 to November 13, 2013; Conduit Street from June 2, 2011 to November 13, 2013; Jermyn Street September 1, 2011 to November 11, 2013.

They said drivers known to the council will be sent a form offering them to apply for the refund while others should check for details on the council’s website.

A study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists found Westminster City Council made £38m in parking charges in 2011/12 - an 8.7 per cent increase of the 2010/11 figure.