Brighton and Hove Council to bring back some pay and display machines

Some 12 machines will be available for contactless card payments on Brighton's seafront, in Rottingdean and in other “high use” locations from this week.

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, admitted Brighton and Hove City Council has received reports that some residents have struggled paying for parking on their mobile phones.

The council voted early in 2023 in favour of getting rid of the machines in an effort to save costs.

A report said the measure, which would save around £220,000, would eliminate the “large budget pressure” for converting all machines to 4G by early 2023, as well as lead to saving on cash collection, maintenance and other costs.

12 pay and display machines are being trialed (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

Read more: Brighton: Council challenged over pay by phone parking

The report raised concerns that the move risked “digital exclusion” as “all payments would be through the PaybyPhone app”.

Other councils across England took similar measures, blaming the cost of changing meters over to 4G as mobile operators prepare to switch off their outdated 3G networks.

The move proved contentious, with Age UK raising concerns that scrapping the machines could have an adverse effect on people who are less tech-savvy.

At the time Patcham councillor Carol Theobald said the move amounted to discrimination against older residents.

“What happens to residents and visitors who have not downloaded the app,” she said.

“There will be a good number who would not know how to do this. In my view, this is discrimination against our senior citizens.

“I think some people will be very upset and won’t know what to do or where to park.”

The areas being trialled are:

• Grand Avenue
• King Alfred Car Park
• Kingsway x 2
• Marine Parade x 2
• Madeira Drive x 2
• Norton Road Car Park
• Rottingdean Marine Cliffs Car Park
• Rottingdean West Street Car Park
• Spring Gardens (near the North Laine)

Cllr Carol Theobald said the removal of the machines amounted to discrimination against older residents (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

The new touchscreen machines will take contactless payments and provide users with a ticket they will need to display in their vehicles. Users can still use PaybyPhone if they wish.

At the end of the three-month trial, the council will assess data such as the number of transactions, transaction type and public feedback before deciding on next steps.

Cllr Muten said: “I’m pleased to see the reintroduction of pay and display machines in these popular areas of the city, especially along the seafront.

“Since pay and display machines were decommissioned last spring, we’ve heard from residents that some people have difficulty paying on their mobile phones, especially in areas where access to PayPoint is difficult.

“We want Brighton and Hove to be an accessible city for all. We’ve listened to residents’ concerns and this trial will give us the opportunity to properly assess how people are paying for parking so we can make informed decisions going forward.”