Calls to stop app-only parking payments
One Councillor says it could see some older people "imprisoned at home"
Councillors have backed a call to stop parking charges moving to app-only payments in the East Riding, with one saying it could see some older people effectively imprisoned at home.
Cllr Jeremy Wilcock said many elderly drivers did not feel confident enough to use smart phones and taking away cash meters could them and other visitors high streets off.
The Liberal Democrat added the council should ensure people can still pay for parking with cash or card so that those who do not use smart phones are not excluded.
It comes after Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove wrote to all councils in England telling them they must not force all drivers to pay for parking with smart phones.
Mr Gove said it scrapping meters could have an unfair impact on elderly and vulnerable drivers.
East Riding Council’s full meeting heard a quarter of over 65s do not have access to a smart phone but that age group accounts for a fifth of all drivers.
Councillors backed Cllr Wilcock’s motion on Wednesday (June 29) which called for cash and card parking payments to continue in the East Riding.
The councillor said people trying to pay for parking with apps had to content with almost 30 different apps with unclear instructions on how to pay.
The Beverley Rural ward member said: “To use these apps, people often have to divulge personal information including their bank accounts to anonymous third parties, quite possibly off shore.
“People risk being marginalised by this app-only parking, it could see some older people become imprisoned at home.
“Surely we wish to encourage visitors tourists who might be deterred by app-only parking.
“Technology has many benefits but it should be the servant and not the master.”