Brighton and Hove City Council’s plan to eradicate all pay and display machines from the city has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with accusations that the plan unfairly targets senior citizens and those who are less tech-savvy.
The Plan: A Cost-Saving Measure with Concerns
Earlier this year, the Brighton and Hove City Council, in a move to economize, passed a resolution to do away with all pay and display machines. The council argued that this measure would lead to savings on maintenance, cash collection, and other expenses, with an estimated savings of about £220,000. The council’s aim is to eliminate the “large budget pressure” for converting all machines to 4G by early 2023.
Concerns Raised by Councillor Carol Theobald
However, not all are convinced that this measure is in the best interests of the community. Councillor Carol Theobald, representing Patcham, raised concerns that the move could be discriminatory against senior citizens who may not have downloaded the parking app, as well as against those who prefer offline payment options. Theobald believes that the council has not taken into account the views of the wider community.
Charity Director’s Apprehensions
Caroline Abrahams, the Charity Director of Age UK, has voiced fears that doing away with the pay and display machines could prove disadvantageous for older people and those who are less tech-savvy. Abrahams argues that the council needs to recognize that not everyone has access to digital technology, particularly those who require proximity to shops and amenities. She believes that the shift towards pay-by-phone methods may exclude vast swathes of the older population from being able to park.
Council’s Stance on the Matter
A council spokesman confirmed that, while no machines have been removed as of yet, all pay and display machines in the city will be phased out by May 31. However, machines will continue to be available at the council’s off-street barrier car parks. The council spokesman also confirmed that the vast majority of all on-street parking transactions in Brighton and Hove, around 78%, are carried out using the Pay by Phone app or telephone number, with only 22% using the machines. The council also noted that cash payments account for just 2% of all transactions.
Conclusion
The plan to eliminate all pay and display machines in Brighton and Hove has generated considerable controversy, with fears that it could be discriminatory against certain segments of the population. The council has defended its plan, stating that most people already use the Pay by Phone app or telephone number for parking, and that offline payment options will still be available. However, concerns remain, and the debate over the merits of the plan is likely to continue.
