Residents concerned by new all digital parking trial

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Pay and display machines have been switched off in part of a borough to trial digital-only parking payments.

On Monday parking in South End and Selsdon Road in Croydon went digital for a month.

Mayor Jason Perry said he hopes the new measures will ensure a turnover of customers for local businesses.

But some residents are concerned about the impact on elderly people and anyone else who does not have a smart phone.

One Croydon resident on Twitter said: “How will those without smart phones find it easier? Many elderly people don’t have the right generation phone compatible with these parking apps.”

Another said: “If you don’t have the app it can take 15 minutes to sign up and pay the first time – if you’re online.”

The trial will run until July 9, and has seen pay-and-display machines switched off in the two areas in Croydon. Instead, drivers will have to use the RingGo parking app to get their free 30 minutes.

Those that cannot access the app will have to RingGo on 020 3046 0010 to book their parking session.

Croydon mayor Jason Perry, said: “We need to make sure our free parking offer is working as intended to support the businesses that rely on a turnover of customers.

“I’m really pleased we’re taking this step, so shoppers arriving by car can spend less time looking for a spot, get 30 minutes’ free parking and keep supporting our fantastic local shops.”

Pictured top: Parking pay and display machine (Picture: Eric Mclean/Pexels)