Pay by phone option could soon be available in council's Sleaford car parks

Current signal and connectivity issues caused by reduced availability of the 3G network are at times preventing the North Kesteven District Council’s car park machines from being able to take card payments. After ongoing pressure from car park users and recognising the inconvenience caused for customers, North Kesteven District Council is urgently exploring how parking payments via mobile phone could be put in place. It is hoped that it could be imminent, once a provider and a plan to implement the new system is agreed. It would likely be via an app along with the ability to pay over the phone, says the authority. The council is also due to consider replacing the current machines with new cash and card machines, as a less immediate but longer-term solution. The council says the existing machines are now coming towards the end of their lives. A council statement says: “In the meantime, every effort is being made to maintain and keep the current machines operational. Daily checks are made on all of the council’s parking machines in Sleaford. Any new issues however, such as a machine not taking cash, can be reported by calling the council offices on 01529 414155. “The option to use cash remains and it’s still advisable to keep some with you, as all parking must be paid for.” There is also free parking at all North Kesteven District Council-owned car parks on every Saturday this December, to help welcome shoppers and visitors.