Cash payments have been suspended at a number of pay-and-display machines across Altrincham and Hale after what Trafford Council has described as a sustained campaign of vandalism.
Notices have appeared on numerous machines in recent days informing motorists that cash payments are unavailable and advising them to pay using the RingGo app.
Trafford Council says a “significant number” of its machines have been put out of action by targeted criminal damage and that it is working with Greater Manchester Police to identify those responsible.
But the situation has prompted concern that people who cannot or do not want to use smartphone payments are being deterred from visiting local high streets – with particular concerns raised about older and vulnerable residents.
Hale Civic Society said Cecil Road car park was “noticeably quiet” when members visited at 11.30am today and questioned whether the problems with the machines were contributing to the lack of cars.
The society said it had received numerous comments about the four pay-and-display machines in Hale over the past week.
“Not everyone has a mobile phone, not everyone has a smartphone, and not everyone feels comfortable or is able to use an app to pay for parking,” it said.
“Many people simply want to park their car, collect a prescription, meet a friend, visit the Post Office or do some local shopping.”
It said several elderly residents had found the situation “genuinely stressful”, particularly because of fears that they could receive a parking fine if they were unable to pay through the app.
The society also claimed a number of motorists using Cecil Road East car park received parking tickets on Saturday while the machines were out of action.
It is calling on Trafford Council to introduce up to two hours of free parking while the problems continue.
“This would remove uncertainty, avoid unnecessary penalties, reduce stress for residents and visitors, and give much-needed support to Hale’s shops and businesses until a proper payment solution is restored,” it said.
“People should be able to carry out ordinary, everyday errands without being forced to own or use a smartphone.”
Nathan Evans, leader of Trafford Conservatives, has also called for cash payments to be retained.
He said: “Cash should remain an option at Trafford’s parking machines or, better yet, make it free to park for a few hours on our high streets to attract more people to shop local.
“Not everyone wants to use an app or knows how to use one. Not everyone carries a bank card. And not everyone is comfortable relying on their phone simply to park their car.
“This is particularly important for older, disabled and more vulnerable residents who may still rely on cash. We believe residents should have a choice.”
However, Trafford Council stressed that the suspension of cash payments was a response to criminal damage rather than a permanent move away from cash.
A council spokesperson said: “A significant number of our pay and display machines have been put out of action as a result of sustained and targeted criminal damage.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and want to reassure residents and visitors that these incidents are being taken very seriously.”
The council said motorists could currently use RingGo and warned people not to scan QR codes purporting to offer payment.
“Neither Trafford Council nor RingGo use QR codes to take payments,” the spokesperson added.
Engineers are assessing the damaged machines to determine which can be repaired, while the council is working with Greater Manchester Police and Trafford’s Community Safety Team to investigate the vandalism.
The spokesperson added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank motorists for their patience and understanding. Trafford Council remains committed to maintaining a reliable parking service and retaining cash payment options.”
