A new cash- and card-free Leicestershire car park has prompted concerns that some drivers might be excluded from using it. The new Ashby site is 'pay by phone' only, with users needing to set up an online account in order to buy their tickets, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has said. 

The decision to not include ticket machines at the Money Hill car park has led some residents to raise fears of "indirect discrimination" against those who might not use smartphones. One person said their mother, who is in her 80s, would not be able to use the site as a result. Others have said they themselves will avoid parking there because of difficulties using the technology. 

NWLDC announced the opening of its new car park, located off the Nottingham Road, last week. It has 150 long stay bays, with prices starting at 65p. 

The authority has previously lauded the site as "an important step forward in [its] commitment to improving parking options for people working in and visiting Ashby de la Zouch". Work is expected later this year to install electric vehicle parking stations. 

However, the announcement of the opening has been met with a lacklustre response from some residents. One said: "I detest pay-by-phone. You have to have the app and a charged-up phone. When it's bright sun, it's hard to see the screen. 

"You also need enough data allowance and 3 or 4G, and the signals are often poor. Why on earth use this system, when every other car park uses card machine? No way will I ever use it." 

A second described the process as "ridiculous", adding: "I really wonder how some elderly people cope. [Even] I struggle sometimes." 

Another person said: "Perfect example of indirect discrimination… Exclude a lot of the older generation who don't have mobiles to pay. Well done [NWLDC], another facility my mother in her 80s won't be able to use because of your cost-cutting, money-grabbing techniques." 

In addition to concerns over payment methods, some people have expressed discontent with the costs of parking there. Many have pointed out that nearby areas, including Ashby itself, Swadlincote and Coalville, have provisions for free parking for set times. Conversely, drivers will pay 65p for one hour, £1.05 for two, £1.60 for three, £2.10 for four or £2.60 for the whole day at Money Hill. 

The car park comes as part of the wider Money Hill development with the site earmarked for around 2,000 homes. Around 16 hectares of land will also be used as employment space. 

The LDRS approached NWLDC for a comment, but had not received one at the time of publication.