Council considers replacing Melton town centre car parking machines
Melton Borough Council is considering replacing the payment machines at its town centre car parks.
Drivers have recently reported issues paying for tickets at the St Mary’s Way car park which the authority has blamed on low winter power sources to solar powered pay points.
The council also operates car parks in Burton Street, Mill Street, Chapel Street, Parkside, Mucky Lane, and Wilton Road.
As well as cash, motorists can also pay via a mobile ‘PayByPhone’ app but there is no current provision for tap-and-pay card payments.
On the possibility of new machines, the council posted on its Facebook page: “We know reliability is important.
“The council is already looking at improved options to replace the current machines.
“We’ve recently completed a soft market test to explore what's available.
“This is not a formal tender process.
“Any proposals for new machines will follow the council’s usual decision-making process before anything is agreed.”
The problems making payments while parking in the St Mary’s Way car park has caused great frustration for some motorists, particularly those who don’t want to pay via the app.
On this issue, the council posted: “We are aware that some of you have experienced issues with the car parking machines at St Mary’s Way car park, and we have seen comments on social media about possible replacements.
“Here's an update to keep you fully informed.
“Our current machines are powered by solar panels with a battery back-up.
“During the winter months and in poor weather, these power sources don’t always perform as well as expected.
“As a result cash payments may occasionally be unavailable.”