Train station parking pay scheme change postponed

The new payment system would have restricted customers to paying by phone or online

A major change to the way drivers can pay for parking at railway stations across the South East has been postponed.

From 19 August Southeastern had planned to switch to an app or phone-based system at 38 of its stations, instead of customers paying at the ticket office or at a machine.

The system would have used an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, with vehicles' registrations recorded, removing the need to display a ticket.

In a statement on Thursday Southeastern said it has decided to pause the introduction after feedback from customers.

The company said the new system would be simpler and save time.

The statement said: "We have been reviewing customer feedback and it is clear the decision has caused some concern.

"Therefore, we have now taken the decision to pause the changes in car parking payments for a few months while we increase the options to help everyone continue to pay for their parking.

"In the meantime all existing methods of payment will continue."