Over the summer, Smart Parking Ltd introduced new 24/7 parking regulations in Eddisbury Square, which have since caught out many visitors to the car park.

Under this tariff, people are entitled to two hours of free parking, after which they can buy more time through the RingGo app.

Any vehicle which overstays its allotted time, even by a few minutes, is liable to receive a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

A number of people have voiced complaints about this system, with some receiving parking charge notices where the vehicle shown entering is not the same as the vehicle shown leaving.

Frodsham Town Council have contacted Smart Parking and London & Cambridge Properties Ltd - who own the car park - about the parking charges, and received the following statement:

''In respect to the car park management undertaken at Eddisbury Square, Frodsham, Smart Parking have been appointed by the owner in order to address issues pertaining to parking abuse at the site.

"The first two hours of parking is offered free of charge. However, if further time is required, this can be arranged via the RingGo payment facility located at site.

"The hours of operation of the car park are 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The car park has clear terms and conditions for parking, as detailed on the signage within the car park. If the terms and conditions for parking are breached, i.e. overstaying a free period, not paying for your parking etc, a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued.

"If you feel the PCN has been incorrectly issued, we will gladly consider any appeal. To appeal against a PCN, either complete the on-line appeals form or by writing to Smart Parking Ltd, Unit 43, Elmdon Trading Estate, Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green, Birmingham, B37 7HE giving the reasons for the appeal and enclosing any supporting information.

"As members of the British Parking Associations Approved Operator Scheme, Smart Parking offer a fully audited Appeals Process.''