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Jun 23, 2023

Scrapping traditional pay and display parking meters will isolate elderly people, critics say

The expansion of cashless systems for parking payments threatens to isolate

The expansion of cashless systems for parking payments threatens to isolate elderly and disabled people critics say as more councils turn away from traditional pay and display machines.

Bromley Council is one of the latest local authorities to modernise its parking payment facilities with the RingGo service.

The system means that motorists can no longer use cash to pay for parking. Instead they must download the RingGo app, or call or text to pay. Anyone without a mobile phone can call and pay in advance from a landline, but this does not guarantee them a parking space on arrival.

Councillors who oppose the expansion, which will result in all other forms of payment being axed, say the move will prevent some vulnerable people from using their cars in the area.

Cllr Alison Stammers of independent party Chislehurst Matters, said: "Fundamentally, it will stop some residents being able to use their cars if they need to park in a Bromley car park, or they will have to rely on others to help them pay, so losing much-valued independence and adding to loneliness and isolation, and potentially mental health issues."

Ms Stammers said she had been inundated with messages from constituents, particularly the elderly, who are against the change.

"The scheme definitely disadvantages elderly people who have not embraced and do not feel confident about embracing mobile technology," she added.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "It's important that everyone can park near services, appointment venues and amenities, but the fact is that not all older people have a smartphone or a credit card, nor the ability to easily use automated services on a landline, so the parking opportunities for anyone in this position are increasingly limited.

"If they have mobility issues as well, then it can be even worse, shutting them out of town centres and other busy areas if they depend on using their car but have no prospect of parking it.

"We are a long way away from a world where digital tech can help everyone, and public bodies and businesses running parking services should recognise this."

In defence of the changes, Cllr Nicholas Bennett, executive councillor for transport, highways and road safety, said parts of Bromley had "successfully operated without pay and display machines for some years" and the council was following many other boroughs who switched to cashless payments.

RingGo said it is currently used by 150 councils in the UK.

Mr Bennett told i: "The majority of motorists looking to park already use their phone to do this, both young and old alike.

"As a pensioner myself I appreciate that some people have a problem with modern technology however we are talking about people who drive a ton and a half of steel which requires more skill than downloading an app.

"There is also a misconception that a smart phone is needed when it is not. We are ensuring there is plenty of information available and we’re providing advice for those who wish to download the app."

He added that the proposal was subject to an equalities impact assessment and was not found to be discriminatory. Blue Badge holders will not be affected by the changes but other disabled people could be affected.

Peter O’Driscoll, managing director, RingGo, said: "Large sections of the population need to rethink their preconceptions about seniors. Rather than assuming they are against or fearful of technology, we must understand their needs and provide appropriate support."