Consumer advice experts have issued guidance to drivers who have been charged 'crazy' amounts for filling up at petrol stations.
The M.E.N previously reported how customers have been left out of pocket after being charged £120 at pumps across the region, despite only filling up a small amount.
A single mum said she was 'absolutely fuming' after noticing the money had disappeared from her account after filling up at at a Tesco petrol station in Ardwick. Another driver said he was "gobsmacked" after checking his bank balance.
READ MORE: Why £120 is being taken from drivers' accounts at petrol stations
All UK petrol stations are set to be affected by the new measure, which has been implemented by card companies, who place a temporary hold on customer's bank accounts - to ensure they have enough money.
The decision is said to be aimed at helping customers 'keep an eye on their finances' but the move has left drivers outraged, amid concerns about it will mean for their finances during the difficult economic climate.
According to consumer experts at Citizens Advice in Manchester, the new measures are legal under trading law, as long as signs warning customers are displayed clearly at forecourts.
"If there are clear signs detailing the changes then the companies are protected and the choice is with the consumer," says Rosi Avis, Partnership and Communication Lead at Citizens Advice Manchester.
"If signs are not well placed it could be classed as an unfair term and you could refer that to trading standards but given the fact the money will be refunded this probably wouldn't speed up that process."
Citizens Advice are urging local residents who have been affected by the changes, and are already struggling with their finances, to seek support from the organisation.
"Under current circumstances we know that people are struggling and if people are struggling to keep up this might give added pressure to their bank balance," says Rosi.
"We would recommend that people make sure they are looking for these signs and if they can’t commit to the funds then to pay in store.
"If people are really struggling and this is the kind of thing that could tip them over the edge we would urge them to seek support to see how we can help them more broadly."
The organisation advise that customers can try and contact their bank if the payment doesn't reappear quickly, but urged anyone struggling to contact their local Citizen's Advice to see if any emergency support is on offer.
"The thing we are most concerned about is that people are not out of pocket and they know where to get help," Rosi added.
According to MoneySaving Expert, if your available balance is lower than what it should be due to reserved funds taking too long to be returned and you urgently need to spend the cash, you can try to contact your bank, or take your complaint to the ombudsman if a delay to funds being returned has caused you financial hardship and your card provider hasn't helped.
A Tesco Spokesperson said: "The funds that are reserved whilst a customer refuels at Pay at Pump should be immediately released back into the customer’s account. If this has not happened, we would recommend that the customer contacts their card issuer to resolve the issue."
A spokesperson for Mastercard said: "Banks, card networks, and petrol stations have worked together to update and improve the way payments are made at ‘Pay At Pump’ sites.
"Although customers may notice in their banking apps an initial transaction for a higher ‘pre-authorised’ amount, this is temporary.
"Once the sale is made, the exact value of fuel dispensed will be charged and any remainder of the pre-authorised amount is released for use almost immediately. If cardholders experience any issues they should contact their bank."
According to information from Visa's website, the new changes are being rolled out a petrol forecourts to 'improve the experience.'
"Our innovative payments solution means you can make a quick pit stop to fill up your vehicle without entering the shop and keep control of your budget at the same time," they say.
"In the past, when you used a self-service pump to buy fuel, the exact cost would only show up against your account balance one or two days after you filled up. This could make it hard to track your daily spend.
"Soon, the way you pay for fuel at self-service pumps will change. When you insert or tap your card at a self -service pump, your bank will temporarily reserve an amount from your available balance while you fill up. This could be up to £120.
"But not to worry, once you’ve finished filling up, this will be updated to your bank and you’ll only be charged for the amount you’ve spent."
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