Christmas shoppers could be set for parking chaos as Elmbridge Council announced its phone and pay service in borough-owned car parks would no longer be accepted – just weeks before the busy shopping period.

The council’s Bemrose Mobile phone and pay service has been cancelled ahead of the Christmas rush due to “contractual issues”, which will not be resolved until the New Year when the council secures a deal with another service provider.

This could leave shoppers who fall short of a bit of change for pay-and-display car parks in a bind as they fill up for the festive period.

Neighbouring Waverly Council and Guildford Council have also halted their phone and pay services.

Councillor Dorothy Mitchell, cabinet member responsible for parking, said: “The decision has been taken to discontinue the phone and pay service in council car parks with immediate effect.

“Regrettably, this decision has been taken due to unresolved contractual issues with the service provider, and to protect the council’s interests and those of our customers.

"Inevitably, the withdrawal of the service will result in some inconvenience for our customers and we apologise for this.

“We are working hard to ensure a replacement service will be available in the new year.”

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