One leading parking expert has predicted that pay and display parking machines could vanish from car parks across the UK.
Anthony Eskinazi, chief executive of JustPark, said he “can’t see” many councils investing in traditional parking meters “past 2025”.
This is down to many pay and display machines using 3G connectivity, which is due to be switched off in the near future.
Many drivers are already accustomed to seeing the option to pay for their parking either with a physical ticket or via a smartphone app.
Despite the switch to technology, some people are not happy with the changes, as there is a higher margin for error.
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Some drivers may not have the latest smartphones and would struggle to pay with an app or via a phone call to an automated service.
The signal of an area could also cause issues, especially in rural areas, where people may not be able to get phone service, leaving them unable to pay.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Eskinazi, said: “I would be surprised – if, after the next cycle of procurements, there are any more pay and display machines… I can’t see anyone re-procuring more machines past 2025.
“You may still have more machines up to 2030 and 2032 because the contracts are still active, but re-procuring this machinery, I highly doubt it.
“Just because of the cost of and also the percentage usage, it would be very hard to justify the business case of doing so.”
Some councils are already ditching their old machines in favour of up-to-date versions, which make taking payment easier.
However, upgrading meters so they can run on 4G or 5G networks could reportedly cost millions of pounds, especially if it’s a local authority replacing all of the meters.
Areas like Brighton and Hove are expected to be scrapping their old machines by the end of the month, while Harrow and Enfield are believed to have removed them already.
Some drivers will also be put off by the amount of different parking apps, which could see drivers using a number of apps to park in the same city.
Elderly motorists have voiced their concerns about the widespread changes, most notably with the move away from a tried and tested way of paying for parking.
There are fears this could lead to older people and those without suitable access to technology having difficulties when parking.
