Christmas shoppers who paid to park in Hamilton car parks on Saturday when parking was free, will get a refund.

Ed Benevides, secretary for the Corporation of Hamilton, said the free parking had been advertised in The Royal Gazette last week.

And he said the move was also publicised by the Island's media following a press conference the Corporation held on December 11 in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.

At that time, Mayor of Hamilton Sutherland Madeiros said: "On behalf of the members of the Corporation of Hamilton, I am especially pleased to announce that in order to assist Hamilton merchants, on Saturday, December 20, the Corporation of Hamilton will be offering free car parking in all of its parking lots throughout the City.

"However, in those car parks which have maximum time restrictions, these restrictions will still apply and we ask the motoring public to be considerate and co-operative on this matter.

"On-street parking in the current designated areas will be unaffected and will continue to require vouchers for parking."

Yesterday, Mr. Benevides said banners were supposed to be made up by the Chamber of Commerce to place on the ticket machines that said 'Buy Bermuda Free Parking'.

However, complaints to this newspaper said there were no signs.

Mr. Benevides said people who paid to park can bring their ticket into the Corporation of Hamilton for a refund.