Motorists were left frustrated after they were ‘trapped’ in a car park for over an hour at the weekend.

The barrier to exit Cattle Market car park in Bicester is currently broken.

People have been advised to ring the buzzer to be let them out manually, but often these messages are not being received by the operator.

READ MORE: Proposed Oxford to Cambridge railway line compared to UK's 'bendiest' road

Bicester resident, Lucy Underwood, said: “When we got back to the car park on Sunday, June 11 at 2pm there was a queue of three cars and some people waiting at the exit.

Oxford Mail:

“The barrier was broken and would not lift up.

“They had been stuck there for an hour.”

“People had tried to contact the parking company but there was no response.

“They had also apparently called the police who advised them to get taxis home.”

She explained that it was not possible to exit via the entrance as there were spikes in the ground.

Eventually the stranded motorists found a piece of discarded carpet to cover the spikes and were able to ‘escape’ that way.

Oxford Mail: Motorists used a piece of discarded carpet to cover the spikes at the entrance to 'escape'

Cattle Market car park on Market Square is owned by Cherwell District Council.

It used to be a pay and display car park, but it is now operated by APCOA Parking that uses automatic number plate recognition to charge users.

Issues with the car park have been ongoing for around a week.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said that she had had a problem with the car park the last three times she had parked there.

She added: “I’ve just used the car park again and barrier would not raise.

“I pressed the button and as per normal had to give details.

“I asked said operator why this keeps happening and her reply was, and I quote ‘the engineer has been out, and the cameras aren’t picking up the registration plates on some vehicles.’

“Obviously doesn’t like my little Ford Focus!!”

Oxford Mail:

Cherwell District Council has apologised for the problems caused by the car park.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Last week a fault was discovered with the ANPR cameras at Cattle Market car park, an engineer was called but could not fix until new parts had arrived.

READ MORE: Major A34 junction upgrade 'vital' for housing plans in town

“Unfortunately, this was over the weekend meaning there was a delay in undertaking a full repair.

“As back up to any barrier fault, access to a Control Room is available via an intercom button near the barrier by the exit to enable the barrier to be raised remotely.    

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the fault and any delays in exiting the car park.

“We have contacted our Control Room contractor following the feedback from residents to ensure that the expected high level of customer service is being provided promptly and efficiently.”