Issue - meetings

Planning

To consider the options for the introduction of debit/credit card and contactless payment methods, in addition to cash for the purchase of pay and display parking tickets.

Recommended:

1.  The Council replace its cash only pay and display ticket machines with new ticket machines capable of accepting debit/credit card and contactless payment methods in addition to cash, as set out in Option 2 at a total cost as set out in Exempt Annex 4 to the report.

2.  That the Head of Estates and Economic Development in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder be authorised to take such steps as necessary to implement Option 2.

3.  That funds to cover the cost of the contract (as set out in Exempt Annex 4) be allocated from the New Homes Bonus Reserve for the purchase and installation of 43 replacement pay and display ticket machines.

Consideration was given to the report of the Planning Portfolio Holder which set out options for the introduction of debit/credit card and contactless payment methods for the purchase of pay and display parking tickets in Council car parks.

It was noted that the ability to pay by credit/debit card or other contactless methods was now part of many people’s everyday lives. Cash transactions in general have been in decline over the last few years and a large proportion of customers now expected to be able to pay for services via non-cash methods.

It was anticipated that expanding the methods of payment could encourage customers to stay longer in car parks. By using card and contactless payment methods, customers would be able to choose how long they would like to park for with more ease.

Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, Cabinet agreed to the following:

Recommended:

1.  The Council replace its cash only pay and display ticket machines with new ticket machines capable of accepting debit/credit card and contactless payment methods in addition to cash, as set out in Option 2 at a total cost as set out in Exempt Annex 4 to the report.

2.  That the Head of Estates and Economic Development in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder be authorised to take such steps as necessary to implement Option 2.

3.  That funds to cover the cost of the contract (as set out in Exempt Annex 4) be allocated from the New Homes Bonus Reserve for the purchase and installation of 43 replacement pay and display ticket machines.