Millions of drivers are now being compelled to utilize mobile phone applications to pay for their parking as councils across the country have been scrapping traditional payment meters, according to a recent survey conducted by the RAC. The survey revealed that 19% of drivers reported their local council either eliminated or is considering eliminating payment meters. This concerning trend, which has been previously highlighted by the Mail, has the potential to isolate the elderly or vulnerable population who may struggle with using parking apps. The poll showed that nearly 60% of the 1,900 respondents expressed anger over the removal of parking meters, with the percentage rising to 73% among those aged 65 and older. Rod Dennis from the RAC emphasized that the removal of these machines could contribute to social isolation. Additionally, more than half of individuals aged 65 and older do not feel comfortable using parking apps, according to a separate poll conducted by the Mail earlier this year. Furthermore, 20% of drivers stated that they felt discriminated against as they are unable to use mobile apps for parking payment. The RAC’s Rod Dennis emphasized the importance of councils and private parking operators carefully assessing the impact of removing payment machines before doing so. The research conducted by the RAC indicates that by eliminating certain payment methods, they are undoubtedly making life more difficult for drivers and potentially contributing to social isolation. Furthermore, this move may lead to a decrease in parking revenue as drivers may be discouraged from parking in the first place, which is not in the best interest of local authorities. In April, Communities Secretary Michael Gove expressed concerns to councils regarding drivers being excluded from the digital world due to a lack of alternative payment methods. Complaints have been raised among drivers about the multitude of parking apps used by various councils, such as RingGo, PayByPhone, JustPark, ParkMobile, and ParkMe. Each app requires drivers to download them and enter their information, with some apps charging additional fees. The survey revealed that 11% of respondents reported the removal of some or all parking payment machines in their vicinity, and an additional 8% stated that their local council is currently considering such a move. The majority of drivers in London (44%), followed by the East of England (23%) and the East Midlands (22%), reported being affected by either of these scenarios. Many councils and private parking operators have been getting rid of the older machines that process card payments through 3G mobile signals, as telecom operators are switching them off. This leaves them with the option of purchasing more modern machines or transitioning to a phone-based payment system, which eliminates the need for physical infrastructure in car parks apart from signage. The RAC’s survey included 1,900 UK drivers who are part of its driver opinion panel. The data obtained was nationally representative.
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