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Westminster switches to cashless parking
David Williams, Motoring Editor18.02.08
Cashless parking is in use across all of Westminster from today.
Drivers will still be able to use credit and debit cards at 400 pay and display machines, but the council said it will not accept cash for any on-street parking from December, when meters will have disappeared.
Some motorists have complained about the scheme but the council went ahead after 200,000 registered to use it.
Critics said they were fined after mistakenly believing they had made a payby-phone transaction, while others said they couldn't get through to Westminster's text call centre.
Some were confused about what information they should send by text, while older motorists said they did not habitually carry mobile phones.
Director of parking Alistair Gilchrist insisted the problems were being ironed out. He said: "The vast majority of people who have used this system have found it extraordinarily successful and we are continuing to make improvements."
Danny Chalkley, Westminster's cabinet member for economic development and transport, said: "This takes us one step closer to cashless parking.
"The move to a convenient cashless system is the way forward and I'm pleased to give motorists the opportunity to use the service wherever they are in Westminster for the first time."
Mr Chalkley said in the past three months an average 1,200 drivers every week had registered.
Westminster rolled out cashless parking to all parts of the borough over the weekend. Drivers can remotely top up their parking allowance by phone if, for example, a meeting or shopping expedition over-runs.
The AA said the council should have conducted other trials to make the system more user-friendly.
Reader views (5)
This is discrimination; just because I may be driving a car does not mean that I have a mobile phone. Maybe Westminster Council will reimburse me for the cost of a mobile phone and text-time? I'm just hoping someone will take this little parking matter to the European Court of Appeals. I don't believe there is any way the council can justify forcing a person to use a mobile phone; I certainly don't believe it would be upheld by a higher authority.
- Mary B, Wembley
You forgot something, if you happen to be using the pay by text service and your service provider happens to be O2, there is a good chance that the message won’t go through in time and you will end up with a parking ticket for not paying in a prompt fashion. (This is however a fault with O2 and not Westminster apparently, Westminster assured me that they had a signed letter from techy people at O2 stating as much).
- Venusia, Essex UK
I had paid by credit card with bank statement proving payment to Westminster council. I received a parking fine and even though 2 recorded delivery letters sent to WC proving payment I have now a penalty charge for £120. Absolutely useless council and disgusting behaviour, I am writing to our MP and will not pay a parking penalty where I have paid for my parking charge.
- P P Miller, herts
Give Westminster parking my credit card details? You are kidding I hope. As far as I'm concerned, from now on I will do no more business in Westminster. It's not worth the trouble. Last year, parking and congestion charges cost me close on £4000. Mostly in that area. I probably spent over £10,000 in the borough. But that's it. Finished. Can't be bothered. I'll take my money where it's appreciated.
- David J, London
I am dyslectic and have tried to pay by phone but had to give up after 10 minutes of trying since I kept getting my figures muddled up. What is one suppose to do ?
- Adrian, London
