Cash payment option for Torridge car parks remain

The plans for five of Torridge District Council’s car parks in Bideford, Appledore and Holsworthy were rejected by its community and resources committee

People can still pay for parking fees with money in council-owned car parks after proposals to go cashless were rejected.

The plans for five of Torridge District Council’s car parks in Bideford, Appledore and Holsworthy were rejected by its community and resources committee.

Members said many people, especially the elderly, preferred to pay with cash and that it was not the right time to make the change even though it would save taxpayers about £10,000.

The total income for the car parks - Cattle Market and Springfield in Bideford, Odun Road in Appledore, West Appledore and Well Park in Holsworthy - was £139,000 in 2023.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said cash collection costs were near £9,000, with rates due to rise by 9% in 2024.

Councillor Chris Leather said he disliked cashless parking and the public should have an option of how to pay.

Councillor David Brenton said cashless machines often did not work and people found them “frustrating”.

Councillor Doug Bushby said it was “clearly a generational thing”.

"We should retain the cash option, in 10 years’ time there maybe a different discussion."