Forum Topic

Phone-only paid parking

Anyone know if it true that Ealing Council is planning to expand parking spaces that can be used only if you have a mobile phone and a credit card account?Such a scheme was recently introduced on Ealing Common against the wishes of the local residents. Residents' groups wanted restrictions brought in to get rid of all the caravans and commuter vehicles on the Warwick Road extension, but they wanted restrictions that allowed plenty of short-term park for the locals using the common. Instead, the council gave over two-thirds of the road (i.e. 94 bays) to phone-only paid parking. The result: an average of just a dozen cars use the paid-for facilities each day, while the locals are forced into a much-smaller area of three-hour free bays. Nuts!

Ian D. Richardson ● 4726d8 Comments

It is actually illegal under both discrimination and disability discrimination act laws to exclude in such a way.One would think that the council would know this.

Michael Brandt ● 4724d

Yes, to have a choice is fine. Not to have a choice is unacceptable.

Ian D. Richardson ● 4724d

Yes, I'm sure Ealing Council would save money on phone-only parking, but since when has it been a legal requirement to own a mobile phone if you want to park?Owners of iPhones/mobile phones etc often forget that not everyone owns such a device, and even if they do, they do not feel confident to use them to pay for parking. I can think of a couple of elderly car owners in my immediate area who do not know how to use phones except for basic calls.The proof of the pudding, so to speak, is that an average of just 12 cars use the 94 phone-only bays across Ealing Common -- even though all-day parking in this bays costs less than half of what it does in the CPZ just 100 yards or so away.

Ian D. Richardson ● 4724d

In Muswell Hill last saturday. 80p to park for 30 mins. plus 40p service charge for paying by phone.Convenient but expensive.What about those who do not have a phone or have hearing difficulties and cannot use a mobile outdoors?  Plenty like that.The assumption that everyone has a phone or internet access is way off the mark.The government statistics that Councils have embraces are deeply flawed as they refer to 'access to' which refers to libraries, cafes etc. What it does not know is how many have their own total access or indeed the ability to use.So it is better to have both options.

Michael Brandt ● 4724d

If it works as well as the Westminster system where one can buy time by the minute I shall delighted. No more paying for an hour if you need just ten minutes to pop into a shop and, as Rosa says, no more rushing back to the cat to 'top up'.

Nigel Brooks ● 4725d

The council car park in Spring Bridge Road uses this system as well as having tickets machines. The same applies to the dual use bays in Manor Road, next to West Ealing Station and will apply to those shopping areas that will have extended (paid) times on the Stop and Shop bays.Westminster in central London has done away with parking meters that take money mostly everywhere.It saves the council money as they don't need to install parking meters, maintaining and epty them, plus having to bank the coins collected. I suspect that slowly but surely Ealing will be going the same way. It may be good for the council but not for everyone. And Yes, yo have to register and provide the council with details of you bank card (either debit or credit) before you can use this 'facility' and the user will be charged a small fee for the call but not for the text, unless he/she uses a 'pay as you go' phone. The only advantage is that one does not need to return to the car if the parking time is expiring - just send another text and pay for the extra parking time. Very handy if you are stuck in Percival House waiting to speak to someone seeking an answer as to why your tax band has suddenly been increased!

Rosa Popham ● 4725d

Can we hear from reps of other parties on this issue please?

Charles Campbell ● 4725d

Not to mention the 'handling fee on each hour of each transaction.A total rip off

Michael Brandt ● 4726d