21 March 2023 , 10:49
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Drivers across the country have reacted with outrage after it was reported that increasing numbers of councils plan on scrapping pay and display parking machines.
The change would mean motorists are forced to use smartphones and an app to pay for a parking ticket.
There are up to 30 different apps that can be used to pay for parking - meaning drivers also face the confusion of having to download multiple apps when they park somewhere new.
Some motorists have argued that getting rid of machines amounts to “discrimination against the elderly” and anyone who doesn’t have a smartphone.
Mirror reader Francis said: “I am 81 years of age and do not have a smartphone, nor do I want one.
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“If I have to pay for parking, I use my debit card in the meter but, apparently, that option will soon disappear.
“This is sheer discrimination against the elderly and one which I would bitterly resent.”
Tricia said: “This is outrageous. Not everyone has a smartphone so can’t download the app.
“A lot of people do not have the internet or know how to use it, or cannot afford it.
“I am not against today’s advances in technology but it is so wrong to alienate people who are not up to date with it.”
Mandy added: “Just another discrimination against the elderly, who are generally the people without smart phones.”
The move from councils comes as mobile phone operators prepare to switch off their 3G networks, which are used to power the machines, reports The Times.
Brighton and Hove city council will reportedly get rid of its machines by May 31, while the London borough of Bromley will do the same by early April.
Harrow finished ditching all its machines in January and Enfield plans to have all its meters gone by early April.
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Westminster city council has had no pay and display machines since 2019.
Other boroughs which have removed some machines are Richmond, Merton and Barking and Dagenham.
Vodafone and EE will turn off their respective 3G networks entirely by the end of 2023, while Three will do the same in 2024.
The British Parking Association said the "majority of people welcome the convenience of using apps to keep track and manage their parking time" but admitted "this technology may alienate some people, including the elderly".