A council has been accused of "laughing" at drivers after dozens became stuck in mounting queues in a packed car park.

Frustrated motorists claim they were left waiting for more than an hour in Watling Street car park in Canterbury on Sunday afternoon.

They say the issue was caused by a failing barrier at the site, causing them to become stuck.

The car park, which is opposite Whitefriars shopping centre and features 173 spaces, is regularly at capacity due to its prime location.

However, one resident said motorists were sat like "lemons" and unable to exit due to issues with the ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) system.

The mum-of-one says she was unable to move from 4pm until 5pm and insists Canterbury City Council (CCC) needs to find a solution to the problem.

Suggesting the authority either makes the car park pay-and-display only or employs more staff to assist, she said: "It was just taking absolutely everyone ages to get out.

“We were all sitting there like lemons while they were taking our money.

"I called the council three times and was told it was because people weren't paying at the machines, but I asked if somebody could come down and help us because we're all sitting in our cars but we were told no.

"People obviously pay a lot of money to use this car park in the city centre.

“For me it was about £8.50 so it was just unreasonable really and a terrible service.

"I have never had problems before but it was just gridlock.

"At peak times, and during Christmas, there needs to be a supervisor so the traffic flow is kept moving and so people don't push in the queue and hit each other.”

The issue is not the first to arise at the car park.

Speaking online, one person said a family member faced similar issues on Saturday.

They said: "My uncle paid £13.50 and it took an hour to get out, so by the time he got to the barrier they wanted another payment."

Another added they had to wait up to three-and-a-half hours during a recent trip.

However, several people claimed those wishing to park in the city centre were choosing to do so out of "laziness" and a reluctance to park further afield.

Likewise, some residents said the issue would be inevitable at weekends and during the lead-up to Christmas.

"We are sorry if anyone was not on their way as quickly as they would have liked..."

In a statement, CCC said it was “pleased to note the large number of comments in support of its park and ride service”.

A spokesman said: “Park and ride costs £4 a day, or just £3.20 a day with the residents' rate permit for our residents, for a car and up to six passengers, with regular buses all day long.

“It's excellent value and a great way to avoid the busier car parks in the city.

"Watling Street is a premium car park right next to the city centre, and at peak time on a Sunday two weeks before Christmas, it's going to be busy, especially when all the shops are closing at the same time.

"On this occasion, it was even busier than normal due to the closure of the third floor of the Whitefriars multi-storey car park due to the high winds.

“And as the commenters online were saying, many people were ignoring the signs to turn left out of the car park, which was not helping the situation.

"As is usual in the run-up to Christmas, we had staff on duty at Watling Street until quite late into the afternoon, helping people to leave the car park and get out onto the ring road.

"It appears queues did build up later in the day and we are sorry if anyone was not on their way as quickly as they would have liked."