District Council defends new car park machines

East Lindsey District Council has defended the decision to introduce new ticket machines at car parks in Horncastle.
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The district council’s decision led to complaints from baffled motorists that they could not pay for a ticket by cash

Many said they did not have smart phones or credit cards to use alternative payment methods.

There were claims many drivers left without staying in the town because they were worried they would be fined for parking without a ticket.

However, in a statement, ELDC say the new machines were installed following a change in shift in preferred methods of payment during the pandemic.

The council also says each car park would have at least one cash payment machine.

Duncan Hollingworth, the district council’s service manager (property and technical services), said: “By installing these new machines, we are now able to offer those using our car parks a greater variety of ways to pay, including card and shortly Apple/ Google Pay; this is in addition to the pay by phone and app methods already in place.

“As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, there has been a general shift to using more contactless methods of payment and the new machines are able to cater for this.

“We recognise that some car park users will still wish to pay with cash and as such we have ensured that each car park still has at least one machine that allows this.

“Based on the feedback we have received, we are in the process of installing signage to make this clearer to users.”

Several Horncastle town councillors had supported calls for cash machines and clearer signage.

In a report submitted to last week’s town council meeting, district councillors Fiona Martin, Sandra Campbell Wardman and Richard Avison said they were not aware the new machines were being installed.

The report added: “Once we realised the issues they were causing, we contacted the portfolio holder with responsibility for them.

“After constant communication, we can report that new large notices have been ordered to make it clear from a distance which machines take cash and which take cards only.

“These will be in place as soon as possible.”

l Meanwhile, the town council has issued an advance appeal asking for volunteers help a community clean-up day in June.

The event will be held on Wednesday June 2 from 2pm – 4pm.

Deputy town clerk Michelle Moss explained: “We will mostly be litter picking. Everyone is welcome and there is no age limit.

“We will adhere to all covid guidelines applicable at the time. We will also provide all equipment and refreshments. We’re hoping for a good turnout .”

Anyone interested should contact the town council office (01507 522957)