Reading Borough Council has been slammed for taking its 'eyes off the road' in a legal blunder which has led to more than 6,000 fines being issued in error.

Recently, the council announced that 6,136 fines sent to drivers were issued incorrectly.

The issue has arisen after a council staff member raised an issue with a traffic regulation order (TRO) which are legal instruments that govern the rules of the road.

Those who were fined or prosecuted incorrectly will be entitled to compensation.

In an interview on Monday, October 7, Jackie Yates, the chief executive of Reading Borough Council, said reimbursing affected drivers will cost approximately £360,000.

Jackie Yates, the chief executive of Reading Borough Council has apologised as more than 6,000 fines have been issued in error.Jackie Yates, the chief executive of Reading Borough Council has apologised as more than 6,000 fines have been issued in error. (Image: James Aldridge, LDRS / Reading Borough Council)

Now, the council is facing criticism from the TaxPayers' Alliance, which campaigns for a low tax society and fiscal responsibility.

William Yarwood, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers will be furious at this calamity from a council who had clearly taken their eyes off the road.

"Dozens of drivers have been wrongly prosecuted as a result of these failings, with the town hall's incompetence having a very real human cost as well as a direct financial cost to the budget.

"Residents will be expecting council bosses to be putting in place procedures to ensure this doesn't happen again."

The £360k cost of reimbursing drivers will be paid for out of the council's reserves.

A webpage will be set up soon allowing those who have been wrongly fined to get paid back.

In order for the reimbursements to go ahead, councillors are expected to approve a refund scheme in a vote at a full council meeting on Tuesday, October 15.

Once approved, the webpage will go live for claimants on Wednesday, October 16.