Ten new car park payment machines await their fate after public backlash forced the council to scrap plans to bring cashless parking to Spalding.
After three weeks of mixed messages and public confusion, South Holland District Council issued an apology on Friday (June 22) and announced that its parking payment plans were on hold.
Following multiple shifting dates, June 22 was the final date given for the installation of the council’s ten new machines, which cost a total of £27, 586.
But now the payment machines are to be stored until a public consultation takes place.
A spokesman for the council said: “Whilst the process followed by the council was technically correct, the initial response gave us pause for thought as to how we might deploy the new machines, or if this aspect might need to be reviewed.
“Whilst we do wish to make ourselves better aware of users’ concerns, we will also be considering the long term financial implications of any decisions for all of our taxpayers, not just those using our car parks.
“We have recognised that there was a need to put the installation on hold until a consultation had taken place to recognise the needs and feelings of all of South Holland’s residents.”
Following the decision to hold a public consultation, the council said it will hold a public survey.
“The consultation will be an eight-week process to recognise the needs and preferences of residents.
“Only after these eight weeks will the full feedback of the consultation be analysed and the most suitable implementation of machines begin,” said the council spokesman.
Once the public has had its say, the machines can – decision pending – be installed.
The spokesman said: “The council has eight new cashless parking machines and two cash and card parking machines ready to be installed once public consultation is completed.
“These machines can be adapted in conjunction with the supplier if required after consultation.”
