CAR parks in the district are going cashless next week as part of wider efforts from Cotswold District Council to move away from cash payments for its services.
With the facility for cash removed, payment at the council car park’s machines can be made using cards or by pay-by-phone provider PayByPhone.
The council says that the move will reduce council costs due to vandalism and will also reduce carbon emissions,
Traders, councillors and residents have previously expressed concerns about the introduction of the card-only parking machines.
READ MORE: Cirencester traders fight plans to increase parking charges
Gloucestershire County Council recently upgraded their on-street parking pay and display machines in Cirencester this summer which also removed cash payments.
A CDC spokesperson said: “The way people pay for car parking in our car parks is changing to stop theft and vandalism of the machines that have cost over £100k in the last four years as well as inconveniencing car park users.
“Council officers drive over 20,000 miles around the district every year to collect cash from our car parks.
“Removing cash from our car parks will also help reduce the council’s carbon footprint.
“Many of our car parks already operate successfully without cash and we are continuing the scheme with our remaining car parks.
“To ensure the move to cashless is seamless we are making improvements to all payment machines in our car parks.
“By upgrading all of our machines to 4G it will make payments easier and faster.
“All pay and display machines remain in place and will continue to accept card and contactless payments or by using Apple or Google Pay.
“You can also pay over the phone by calling 0800 546 0612 or by using the PayByPhone app.”
The final Cotswold District Council car parks that will have the cash option removed from w/c Monday, December 12 are as follows:
- Sheep St, Forum, Brewery and Waterloo Cirencester
- Old market way – Moreton in Marsh
- West St, Church St, The Chippings Tetbury
- Market Square – Chipping Camden
For more information visit cotswold.gov.uk/parking
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