Voters have been turned away from polling stations for the first time in the UK as Bromley takes part in a contentious ID trial today.

Concerns had been raised over the scheme, which requires the electorate to bring ID with them to polling stations in order to cast their vote.

MP for Penge and Lewisham West, Ellie Reeves, wrote on Twitter: “Just been to vote. Was informed that two people had already turned up without ID this morning so had been unable to vote. Very worrying and backs up all the evidence that the voter ID pilot in Bromley is plain wrong.”

Bromley voters must produce either one form of photographic ID or two forms of non-photographic ID, one with their registered address on. The poll card counts as one.

The trial is taking place in Bromley,  Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking.

Mrs Reeves said she took issue with the trial as it could stop residents having their say.

She said: “I am very concerned about the introduction of the voter ID pilot scheme in Bromley as it has the potential to prevent constituents without the correct documents from voting.

“These are sentiments which have further been expressed by the Electoral Reform Society who describe the scheme as deeply flawed and a potential calculated attempt to stop some citizens from voting.

“In the council’s own equality impact assessment on the issue it was acknowledged that the changes may have an adverse effect on elderly and trans people who may not have the correct or up to date documentation.

“Furthermore, in 2017 there was only one convicted case of electoral fraud, I believe these proposals are far too draconian and will only serve to disenfranchise voters.”

Voters have turned to social media to express their concerns of over the ID requirements.

One user, Claire McDonald, said: “Have voted today in Bromley where ID was required – older lady arrived while I was there and knew nothing about the requirement to bring ID – no matter how much info you put out it’s not going to reach everyone. Whether she’ll come back, who knows.”

However, not all voters have reported problems.

One resident, Jane Taylor, said: “I voted at lunchtime today and was the only soul in the polling station.  It was straightforward, I used my driving licence and took my polling card. The guy spent a few minutes checking and I had to confirm my address to the next women and was handed my ballot by a third woman.

“Might be different if it was busy and more than one form of ID being used, just hope it’s not a low turn out.”

Bromley Council said it had carried out an extensive publicity campaign to make voters aware of the trial.

A spokeswoman said some problems were not unexpected but that overall there were no major issues to be report.

The scheme is being run by the Home Office in an effort to crackdown on electoral fraud.