Chaos at car park as payments can only be made using smart phone app

MOTORISTS hoping to park Lowbourne car park, next to the former library, have been left angry and confused as the payment machine can only be used with a payment app on a smart phone. 

The payment machine in Lowbourne car park had a ‘mains power failure’ on 29th September, which is now awaiting repair from Wiltshire Council. For the time being, Wiltshire Council has asked users to pay via the MiPermit parking app. 

However, many motorists were left scratching their heads. One motorist said, “I came down here and I see this, I haven’t got a phone to pay for this and I don’t know where to park.” 

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport said, “I recognise that users of our car parks like different options to pay for their parking. The council has just agreed a £400,000 investment to replace its parking payment machines and the payment options are being increased to include both cash and contactless payments. The machines in Melksham will be replaced next year following this investment.” 

“The parking machine in Lowbourne car park has been out of service since the 29th September due to a mains power failure. We are working with the electricity contractor to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.” 

“While the parking machines are out of service, we are asking motorists to make payment via the MiPermit parking app. We appreciate this is not always possible for everyone; however, there are several other car parks within Melksham all accepting cash if this is the preferred method of payment.” 

“Unlike many car park providers, Wiltshire Council makes no extra charge for using the MiPermit app; it is a reliable payment method which allows you to extend your parking without returning to the car park. We apologise for any in convenience this may cause.”