Drivers' confusion at new pay scheme (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Drivers' confusion at new pay scheme

2:07pm Thursday 19th October 2006 in News

Confusion is the main reaction to the new pay and display system introduced into Spring Gardens car park in Tewkesbury this week.

Previously motorists took a ticket as they arrived and paid at the exit for the time they stayed.

Now a machine issues tickets for a pre- determined period.

Motorist Louise Hawkins was having trouble working out how to key in the registration number of her car. She had not realised that the keypad worked just like a mobile phone.

"It doesn't explain how to do it," she complained.

Meanwhile, Ian Dodd, who came to her rescue, said it had taken three people to help him work it out.

Adding to the confusion is that anyone using Cascades swimming pool is entitled to two hours free parking.

In the past they had their ticket stamped at the pool. Now they get an extra voucher which they hand in for a refund.

But traffic manager John Horsey said: "There is bound to be a bit of confusion at first, but it is going as well as can be expected and there have been no real problems."

He and an attendant are spending time there to help motorists in trouble and keep an eye on the situation.

He said the new system would save about £29,500.

This meant five people losing their jobs.

"They were all offered jobs as patrol officers, but none of them wanted them", he said.

He added the free half hour at each end of the day for parents collecting children from Tewkesbury C of E School is still available, and parking between 5.30pm and 8am is still free.

"The bonus of the new system is after 5.30pm you can get a ticket for the next morning, so you do not have to be here by eight to move your car," he said.