A measure restricting motorists filling up with fuel to using only forecourt card machines was temporary.

Drivers at the Tesco garage in Park Farm, Ashford, were met with signs today saying “pay at pump” only, with no cash or card payments being taken inside the kiosk.

The news sparked fears the policy was permanent, with speculation on Facebook the chain had joined many other firms in going cashless.

But it is understood the measure was put in place only temporarily to deal with a localised issue.

Tesco has since moved to reassure customers there remains a choice of payment options at the site.

A spokesperson said: “Customers visiting our Ashford Park Farm Extra petrol filling station can pay at the pump or at the kiosk according to their preference.”