More councils consider cashless payment for parking to save costs

While a number of councils have converted some or all of their car parks to cashless sites, more local authorities are looking at following suit in an effort to cut costs, says the AA.

Two fifths (40%) of drivers say that paying for parking with cash is their number one option according to a poll by the AA. 

For low-income drivers, more than half say that cash is how they would prefer to pay to park.

The survey also found that older drivers prefer paying for parking with cash, with 46% of those aged 65 years and over preferring the payment method and 40% of 55-64-year-olds.

However, the survey of more than 13,500 drivers found that just one in 10 (12%) of those aged 18-24 would choose cash as their preferred payment choice. 

More than a third (37%) of young drivers would choose to pay for parking with a contactless payment card, whereas 35% would prefer an app.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Parking the car should be a simple and hassle-free experience, but some drivers are becoming more frustrated as taking cash has become less common.

“During the pandemic, many councils moved to cashless solutions to reduce transmission while still encouraging people to use facilities when allowed. 

“However, lots of local authorities have not returned to cash as the reduced administrative costs proved beneficial to their coffers and are now going further than some drivers are willing to accept.”

While there has been a wider societal shift in cashless provision, the previous Government wrote to councils asking them the ensure that parking remained accessible to all, and that cash acceptance remained in place.

Some AA members were forthright in their support for cash, with one saying that they “Only go to car parks that take cash” and another saying, “If they don't take cash, I will leave and find somewhere else to park”. 

Cousens concluded: “While it is clear that younger drivers prefer contactless payment options, older and low-income drivers want to pay by cash. In fact, some claim they drive on until they can do so. 

“With the High Street already under strain, it seems counterintuitive for car parks to refuse a customer willing to pay.

“Allowing parking to be paid by a multitude of options seems the best solution for both car parks and drivers, but those opting to pay by app should take note that doing so could be more expensive as administration costs are added to the rates.”