The West Berkshire Disability Alliance said disabled badge holders were finding the new system confusing, and had to “hobble” 50 yards to the office, to get out without paying.

The alliance accused the council of reneging on a deal to install a machine to read the badges, allowing disabled drivers to get out without leaving their vehicle.

Head of Highways and Engineering Mark Edwards responded to the disabled motorists by saying the equipment would be installed in the next six months, as it was part of the contract agreement. He added that a new window to the office would be put in soon, but had been delayed to stop dust getting into the new machines.

The dispute comes after Saturday’s chaos, when the multistorey clogged up, as the two Wharf car parks were taken over for the French market. Many drivers contacted newbury.net to complain they didn’t know where the pay machines were located.

Newbury’s Pembroke Road multistorey is due to be similarly upgraded later this year.