People who were fined for parking in spaces reserved for a market that is no longer running will be given full refunds.

North Finchley market was not running last Friday (February 22) – but that did not stop traffic wardens from ticketing cars parked in a red zone reserved for stalls at Lodge Lane car park.

Helen Michael, who owns nearby Café Buzz, said 30 parking tickets were given out even though there was no sign of a market.

She tweeted: “@BarnetCouncil what are you doing?

“Grossly unfair and disgraceful behaviour.

“You need to refund all these tickets. There is no market.”

Parking guru Derek Dishman, who blogs as Mr Mustard, branded the action of traffic wardens “absolutely legal but unreasonable, immoral revenue-raising”.

He said: “High streets are struggling enough without this sort of thing from councils. There were four traffic wardens there, apparently – there might normally be one or two.

“The reason for the restriction no longer exists. They are perfectly within their rights – but they wonder why everyone hates them. This is why – it’s sneaky.”

Labour councillor for Woodhouse Cllr Alan Schneiderman said: “It is outrageous. They need to show a bit of common sense and not give out tickets when the market is clearly not operating.”

Barnet Council’s parking enforcement is outsourced to a private company, NSL.

A council spokesman said: “There are restrictions in place to ensure there is sufficient space available for market stallholders, with the times these are in operation clearly displayed.

“Although these restrictions are not dependent on the market operating, we will be withdrawing the penalties issued, and refunding any payments already made, as we understand the market has now unfortunately ceased to operate.

“We will also be temporarily modifying the signage to indicate that paid parking will be allowed in these bays throughout the week pending any future operation of the market.”

NSL was also approached for comment.