They say that trade is falling as a direct result of the implementation of the machines, which require motorists to enter their car registration details, as frustrated shoppers take their custom elsewhere.

Ian Goodridge, manager of The Orchards shopping centre, has blasted Mid Sussex District Council for not consulting with traders before introducing the unpopular new meters, and called for the registration system to be scrapped.

He said: "I fully appreciate the need to maximise income and efficiently manage turnover of car parking spaces, which would go some way to relieving parking congestion.

"However, I fail to understand why either I or the owners of The Orchards were not approached for any input on an implementation that has considerable bearing on the operation of the shopping centre."

The council is investing £130,000 in the 40 replacement machines. The council believes the new systems will prevent fraud, by stopping people passing on tickets to one another or using discarded tickets, improve reliability and add extra security.

For a full report see this week's Mid Sussex Times. Sign up below to add your comments on this story or email the Middy Mailbag by clicking here