Free parking glitch leaves drivers in dreamland

A computer error means that hundreds of drivers can park for free in Southport town centre today.

Sports Direct Car Park is expected to be overrun today after a computer glitch meant all their parking machines were thrown out of order.

A message on the machines says “the parking kiosk is out of service. There is free parking today. Please exit the car and park safely.”

Hundreds of shoppers are now thought to be racing to the car park to take advantage of the free parking.