Parking payments to be modernised in machine update

Parking payments to be modernised in machine update

Liverpool City Council is planning to upgrade its parking meters in an effort to reduce maintenance costs, minimize risks, and allow staff to focus more on enforcement activities. The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Council’s Cabinet in the upcoming week and could lead to the installation of up to 80 new machines in strategic locations across the city. These new machines will only support card and mobile transactions, thereby eliminating the need for cash payments.

Currently, the city operates approximately 230 parking payment machines, with about 85 percent of them exceeding their designated 15-year lifespan. While all machines accept cash, a significant amount of parking income still comes in the form of coins and notes, despite the increasing trend towards digital transactions. The recent introduction of the National Parking Platform has made pay-by-phone options available at all locations, but physical payment points are still crucial in certain areas where cash payments are prevalent.

As a result, the Council has identified specific sites where cash usage remains high and obsolete machines that can be removed without causing inconvenience to motorists. Around 150 machines will continue to accept cash payments, representing two-thirds of all parking meters in the city. The new machines are being designed with future emission-based charging and DVLA integration capabilities to align with Liverpool’s goal of promoting cleaner air and achieving net-zero emissions.

The Liverpool City Council plans to launch a competitive tender for the new parking machines and will execute a phased installation process along with staff training. Despite the transition to more modern and efficient payment methods, cash payment options will still be available at select locations to accommodate those who may require it. Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, emphasized that the modernization of parking infrastructure aims to enhance convenience and safety for all individuals while also reducing maintenance costs and minimizing risks associated with handling cash

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