DRIVERS are being warned against a new parking scam targeting pay and display machines in the city.

The city council have issued a warning as a bank card was stolen by thieves after they asked the owner to help them pay for a ticket.

Motorists are now being asked to report the scam to Sussex Police if it has happened to them.

Brighton and Hove City Council have now issued a "scam alert" in connection to the incident.

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Writing on Twitter, the council said: "We've been made aware of a scam performed at one of our pay and display machines.

"A bank card was stolen after thieves asked the owner to help them pay for a ticket.

"Please be aware and if this has happened to you, report it to Sussex Police."

Last year, fraudsters targeted motorists applying for parking permits as part of a civil parking enforcement scheme.

East Sussex County Council received reports from members of the public in Bexhill who had been asked to email personal documents to a fake email address.

At the time, Daniel Clarke, parking team manager at the council said: “Although the email seems genuine, it is in fact a scam and people should not be taken in by it.

“We have written to all households in areas where new restrictions are coming into force with details of how to apply for permits.

“If you receive an email like this please ignore it.

“Only apply for your permit via our secure web link and please contact our customer service team if you have any concerns.”