North West Leicestershire Labour Group calls for new payment machine at Money Hill car park following controversial decision to only offer Pay-by-Phone option. 

In a statement released this week, the North West Leicestershire Labour Group has called for a payment machine to be installed in the new car park, after the presence of a solely Pay-by-Phone option has been dubbed 'inaccessible' and 'indirect discrimination.' 

With the rise of Pay-by-Phone scams and concerns over fake QR codes, there has been more hesitance about the use of Pay-by-Phone in car parks across the country. Despite this, the new Money Hill car park in Ashby opted to only offer this way to pay, not giving drivers the chance to pay by card or cash at a machine. 

The new Money Hill car park has been affected by the closure of the nearby footpath and the Pay-by-Phone system (Photo: NWL Labour Group)

According to the Labour Group, 'the decision for the new Money Hill car park to operate solely as a 'Pay-by-Phone' facility was not agreed by all council members.' 

The statement continues to say: 'Concerns have been raised about the lack of a payment machine, which limits accessibility for those unable or unwilling to use mobile payment systems, alongside the poor phone signal from operators in the area.' 

Ward Councillor Murrae Blair Park and Communities Lead Peter Moult have backed the Labour Group in calling for urgent action to unsure fair access and convenience for all residents and visitors. 

Speaking on the issue, Cllr Blair Park said: 'Many residents and visitors still rely on more traditional payment methods. By not providing a payment machine, we risk excluding individuals without access to mobile apps or those who are uncomfortable using them. This decision was made without the scrutiny of elected members, and we're asking that a payment machine, allowing at least card and contactless payments, be installed alongside the 'pay by phone' option. 

'We have been waiting for this new car park to help ease the parking congestion in town, therefore, we need to ensure it's as easy to use as possible and clearly signposted. It's clear that the current method is putting people off using the car park.' 

Sharing Blair Parks sentiment, Peter Moult said: 'This is a basic matter of accessibility and inclusion. A car park should serve the whole community, not just those with smartphones or mobile payment apps. We are calling on the council to think again on this oversight. Other car parks across the district have contactless payment machines, so it's unclear why this new car park is different from the rest.'