KIRKLEES Council to introduce parking payment by mobile phone:
anneb: “What happens if you don’t have a mobile? Not everyone has one. How are wardens to know who has paid etc, without seeing proof? Some will say they have and drive off. I would have thought more wardens are required, not fewer, to check that everyone has paid before they set off.”
LW84: “Council parking wardens will also need 3G cards for their hand-held devices to enable them to tell which cars without pay-and-display tickets have valid parking. The system works well in lots of major cities, so I’m sure it’s not as simple as saying you have paid and driving off. As for those who don’t have a mobile, they will carry on in the same way they always have, the same way those who don’t have internet access will read this article in the newspaper.”
Intsticks: “I am often put off parking because I have no change and wouldn’t want to get a ticket whilst hunting for a shop to get change. So this seems like a good move.”
idlejohn: “Clr Khan expects mobile phone payment to become popular in Huddersfield. More technology usually equates to fewer people and fewer traffic attendants. As there is a system in place that works, why change it, especially in these cash-strapped times?”
Tigger: “I think it will be more convenient – it means drivers can avoid overpaying when they don’t have the right change, or not having to think about having some coppers in their pocket before they park. It will be interesting to see how it will be policed as I presume there won’t be a ticket displayed on those cars.”
seanster: “I think your answer is in the question. Less cash to collect and process and maybe fewer people employed in the administration. So, I’m assuming that the council thinks it can cut its costs. I agree with Tigger – much better than having to carry change.”
Magdale: “I refuse to pay any parking taxes and know a few spots close to town where you can park for free. I much prefer to spend the money in places that don’t charge you and hence go elsewhere. Many I know do the same and hence the sorry state of the town centre.”
markmyword49: “The last sentence says it all: ‘Mobile phone parking generally costs between 10p and 20p more than conventional parking payment.’ So £2 instead of £1.80 for two hours in the Civic Centre. As anneb says, not everyone has a mobile. I have one but it’s an old pay as you go one that I carry for emergency use. I’ve no intention of forking out more money on a monthly contract for something I will rarely use. Besides it’s not about helping the motorist but, as Clr Khan says it’s about savings for the council.”