NEW signage at Carnforth Train Station has been criticised by the Town Council for causing confusion around the rules on free parking.

The new signs, put in place by Northern Rail have outlined an increase in charges for parking, but do not make clear that the public can get 20 minutes of free parking in the station car park.

The council stated there was no consultation or communication from Northern before the signs were put up and that local people have been left confused by them.

Northern Rail have said that the rules around 20 minutes free parking have not changed, but the council have criticised that the signs do not make this clear.

Carnforth Mayor Larry Branyan said: “It has caused some difficulties at the train station because there used to be signs right by the main entrance of the station to say that there is 20 minutes of free parking allowed in the car park.

“The first row by the station had signage that pointed this out but they have been changed now so they don’t specifically say that you can get free parking for 20 minutes.

“I was only informed about this by one of the station trustees because there was no consultation or messages to the council from Northern about this.

“Anyone who is not from the area won’t realise you can get 20 minutes free parking and may end up paying when they don’t have to.

“While you can do that, the new signs don’t tell you it. Anyone who doesn’t know the area won’t be aware of this.

“I myself have tried to get in touch with Northern but have had no response.

“We have had people contact us about this and it’s something we want to get on top of.”

A spokesperson for Northern said: “At the end of August we took over management of the car park at Carnforth station.

“There have been no changes to the cost of parking or the pick-up/drop-off allowance.”