Free parking offer 'could exclude older people'

Age UK has warned older people could be excluded from a free parking offer, which is only available via an app or by setting up an account for an automated phone line.

City of Lincoln Council said motorists would be able to park for an hour for free at two car parks this month, due to the loss of free on-street parking in Bailgate, which is being resurfaced.

But Age UK, a charity supporting older people, has urged the council to offer free parking via physical ticket machines, as it says some people do not have smartphones or find using apps difficult.

The council said ticket machines would need to be upgraded to offer free parking on site, which would be too expensive.

Free parking for an hour is being offered at the Westgate 1 and St Paul's Lane car parks.

Jane Marshall, 64, a shopper using Westgate, said some people would be excluded.

"I don't think it's fair. Older people will miss out on the free parking. I shan't be coming here for the next couple of months unless I'm with my daughter."

Fellow customer Laura Cross, 34, said: "I know my grandparents wouldn't be able to use their phone to do car parking. It would probably put them off coming here."

On announcing the offer, the city council said it would be available exclusively to customers using the PayByPhone app.

However, according to PayByPhone, people can also call an automated payment line displayed on parking meters and signage at the car parks. New customers will be asked to register for an account.

Those wanting to use physical ticket machines will have to pay the usual £2.20 charge by cash or card.

Christopher Brooks, the Head of Policy at Age UK, urged the city council to reconsider.

"There are still lots of older people who don't have smartphones and more besides who don't have the confidence and know-how to use them to their full functionality.

"They should make sure everybody has access to the free parking."

Local business owners have welcomed the support from the city council, but some would like to see the free parking offer extended.

Sasha Drennan, owner of Lindum Books, said: "People who just want to pop in to the shop aren't going to be organised enough to use an app. I wouldn't be".

Amy Claridge, from The Fabric Quarter, added: "It would be good if they could press a button on the machine."

The work in Bailgate, which links Lincoln Cathedral and the Roman Newport Arch, is expected to take up to three months to complete.

Nicola Collins, parking services manager at the city council, said: "The payment machines do not require registration numbers to obtain a ticket to park and would therefore be unable to prevent multiple free parking sessions per day.

"Changing the machines to enable the input of registration numbers would require a software upgrade that would be too costly for such a short-term offer."

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