Councils across England are phasing out traditional pay-and-display ticket machines in favor of app-based payment systems, a move that could leave drivers paying significantly higher fees without clear warning. While local authorities promote the shift as a way to reduce queues and improve efficiency, the absence of upfront information about potential extra service charges means motorists risk unintentionally overpaying. With some councils in London already making the change, the trend raises questions about transparency and whether drivers are being adequately informed of the financial trade-offs. The shift also leaves users vulnerable when machines break down, as apps may become the only available payment option.
Council car parks have switched away from ticket machines to cut costs, leading to extra fees for usersDrivers are unwittingly paying up to 40% more to park as more councils switch to app-only payments and force customers to pick up the tab.Many councils across England have removed pay and display machines and replaced them with app payments, including a number in London. Most local authorities encourage drivers to pay by app to beat queues, while apps are often the only way to pay when ticket machines are out of order. However, many car park signs fail to mention that app payments may incur an additional service fee. Continue reading...
