Residents of a town in Wiltshire are thrilled to be receiving new parking payment machines after months of cashless worries.
In Marlborough current parking machines have been broken since April 2024 meaning that motorists have been left with no choice but to pay using the MiPermit app or go elsewhere.
“I saw loads of elderly people confused and unable to work out how to pay, along with some foreign tourists. Some just went home," resident Rachel Laver previously explained.
“Unfortunately my phone doesn’t work in Marlborough. Cashless parking would exclude most Vodaphone customers as well as the elderly,” added Sally Hughes.
But despite efforts from Wiltshire Council, the replacement machines were delayed as a result of a contractor who made legal challenges, and unforeseen supply chain issues.
Now three months on from when the Gazette and Herald were first alerted to the issue, the installation of new machines accepting cash, card and app payments has begun.
“We’re very excited that the installation programme has now started," said Councillor Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways.
“The programme will see new machines installed across the whole of Wiltshire, between July and September, with the installation prioritised in those car parks where the machines have been highlighted as more liable to break down and needing repairs.
"The new machines will give people more choice on how they want to pay – either using cash, contactless card or mobile device, or using the MyPermit app. They will also be more accessible, robust and resilient, and will be powered by solar or other sustainable means."
The parking machine upgrade programme is part of a £380,000 investment into Wiltshire Council-run car parks and aims to significantly improve customer experience.
Marlborough is the first town in Wiltshire to benefit from the new machines, which will also be rolled out elsewhere in the county.
"The new machines are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 and all locations have been reviewed in line with the Department for Transport Inclusive Mobility guidance, with ramps installed where appropriate and ensuring the machines are positioned to allow easier access for all users," said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Council.
"The disruption to users during installation will be minimal as other machines will remain available to take payments throughout the works."
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