A new system at the Bradford Council car park in Haworth is still catching out shoppers who fail to qualify for 30 minutes’ free parking by not getting a ticket on arrival.

Changes were introduced at the end of the summer and enforced from November 13 at the Gas Street site, ending a well-known practice which depended on drivers’ honesty.

Previously, it was not necessary to obtain a ticket if only staying for half an hour.

And while visitors may well check the tariff sign, many locals are unaware and are being hit with £25 fines.

Haworth, Crossroads and Stanbury Parish Council deputy chairman Peter Hill said bigger signs were needed to explain the procedure.

“If people are used to parking there for 30 minutes without a ticket, then they are not going to be looking at the main board,” Coun Hill said.

“Bradford Council should put up some big signs to say ‘press the green button, get a ticket and 30 minutes’ free parking’.”

Gatehouse vets, on Mill Hey, has a warning sign on its front door because of instances where visitors have ended up being fined.

Simon Thomas, a partner in the Gatehouse group, said: “There was virtually no public information to highlight the change and we have dealt with a number of clients who have been distressed by this.

“They are already anxious when they arrive with a sick animal and may have been using that car park for ten years or more and so do not notice the changed sign.”

Julie Rhodes, who runs the hardware store across the road, said she always warns visitors popping into her shop to get a ticket “The thing is that old habits die hard and people are so used to parking there for 30 mins that they are getting caught out,” she said. “It seems like the council are targeting it and trying to make money.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We had a new payment machine and new signage installed at the car park about six weeks ago making it clear that people now need to get a ticket for their first free half hour.”