AN angry motorist fears dozens of unsuspecting shoppers are being handed hefty fines due to a lack of information about changes to parking rules.

Drivers are no longer able to park in Manor Street, in Braintree town centre, due to the regeneration project taking place near the library.

The changes were brought into effect on Friday, September 18, but a number of people are said to have been caught out by the new restrictions.

Among them is town resident Danny Boyes, who has been handed a £70 fine for parking outside the Braintree District Museum.

He said: “I’ve used this bay for years – it’s a one-hour, no-return bay. There was no signage to say this has changed, nor any yellow lines or road markings. Two other cars also had tickets.

“The warden told me it’s been like this since last Friday, and there’s a sign on the entrance to Manor Street.

“When I found the sign, it’s placed on a busy junction, and hard to see behind two traffic lights and a one-way sign.

“Drivers would be far more concerned with traversing this junction safely than looking for this sign. Also, this junction is close to half a mile away from where I parked.

“There’s no other signage at all in this large area. I’ve even parked in front of a post, why is there no signage on that?”

Mr Boyes has accused the council of bringing in the new rules by stealth and says he will be appealing against the fine.

He added: “I can’t help but feel this is a quick cash grab by the council. I certainly feel conned by them. It’s like they’ve hidden these parking changes and restrictions.

“If I had been told about the changes I would have had no problem paying for parking somewhere else. How many others have been caught out by this totally inadequate signage and notice of changes to parking?”

A Braintree Council spokesman said: “A new restricted parking zone has been introduced at Manor Street, Victoria Street and Fairfield Road where road users are only permitted to park where there is a designated bay. If there is no designated bay people should not park.

“These zones are very common of town centres and have been introduced as a way of improving the look and feel of the streets as they are considered less intrusive than conventional yellow lines, but also to help control parking. Signage has been displayed when people enter all three streets since it has been in place, in line with the traffic signs and general regulations and directions.

“We appreciate it may take time for people to become familiar with the new arrangements and so since then we’ve added more signage to help reinforce the new restrictions.”