Parking charge refunds

On 1 April 2026, revised off‑street parking charges were introduced before the required public consultation had taken place. This was an error and we apologise to everyone affected.

As a result, refunds will be made for the affected period up to 24 April 2026.

These are set out below:

• Blue Badge holders who were charged to park at council car parks in April are entitled to a full refund
• those who paid increased weekend parking charges during April are entitled to a refund of the difference between the old (£2.20) and increased (£3) prices
• visitors who paid charges in a Northampton town centre car park on a bank holiday during April are entitled to a full refund
• those who paid for parking in any of the following car parks will be eligible for a refund of the difference between the old and increased charges for the period they parked:
  • Albion Place
  • Campbell Square
  • Midsummer Meadow
  • St John’s multi-storey
  • Upper Mounts
• anyone who bought a Resident Permit or Season Ticket during this time will be contacted directly about a refund between the old and increased charges

This issue did not affect on-street parking, which was implemented correctly and remains unchanged.

We will be refunding all incorrect charges. How you receive your refund depends on how you paid.

If you paid by card or phone app

If you paid using a bank card or a phone app (such as PayByPhone), for anything other than Blue Badge charges, you do not need to contact us.

• We have payment records and will process refunds automatically where possible
• We are working with payment providers to see whether refunds can be done in bulk
• Some providers are unable to refund in bulk, which means some refunds may need to be processed individually
• Because of the number of payments involved, it may take a few weeks for all automatic refunds to be completed

Work on these refunds will start immediately.

If you paid with cash or for Blue Badge charges

If you paid using cash or for the Blue Badge charge, you will need to submit a refund request via our online form.

You will be asked for your contact details along with information about your vehicle and your visits to our car parks.

When can you expect your refund?

Card and phone app payments are refunded automatically. We will process these as quickly as we can.

Cash payments and all payments made by Blue Badge users will be refunded by bank transfer once the completed form has been checked.

Refunds will not all happen at once. Due to the volume of affected transactions, please allow a few weeks for all refunds to be completed.

We understand the frustration this has caused and thank you for your patience while we put things right.

Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) refunds

If you received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) between the dates of 1 April 2026 and 24 April 2026 whilst parked in a West Northamptonshire Council operated car park then this will be cancelled.

If you have already paid the via our automated phone system (IVR) or online, your refund will be processed automatically to the original method of payment.

If you have paid your PCN by cheque or postal order please contact the Parking Enforcement team at [email protected] to arrange a refund.

If you have not already paid then the PCN will be withdrawn, and no further action is required on your part.

We must stress that this only applies to the off-street car parks listed above. If you have received a PCN for any other contravention then you should still pay it or follow the appeals process on the West Northamptonshire website.

Last updated 06 May 2026