Brighton & Hove City Council to Assess Permanent Reintroduction of Parking Machines

The potential reintroduction of parking machines, equipped with contactless payment options, in Brighton and Hove is under consideration following a trial period. Brighton & Hove City Council initiated a three-month trial starting in August, deploying 12 machines in high-traffic areas across the city. This initiative followed feedback received from both residents and visitors subsequent to the council’s decision in May of the previous year to remove existing machines, which had restricted parking payment methods solely to the PayByPhone application. The trial period is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, after which the city council will make a determination regarding the permanent retention of these machines. In interviews with BBC Radio Sussex, residents expressed support for the permanent installation of parking machines. Joyce Collins, encountered while walking into the city centre from Kemptown, stated: “Nowadays there is a rapid change of system all the time and it’s very difficult for old people who are not working to know what is going on.” The 90-year-old further commented: “I don’t know anything about apps. I don’t take my car into the city especially because I don’t know about the parking.” Another resident, Christina Westwell, remarked: “I think they should keep it, you don’t want to be hassled with apps. Whether it’s cash or card, I think that’s better.“If we have to use an app, we just drive off. I just want to get on with my life, I don’t want to have to go online.” Her husband, Gordon Westwell, commented: “It’s a really good idea, they should bring back cash as well so you can use card, cash or the app if you want to use it.” Councillor Trevor Muten, who holds the cabinet portfolio for transport, parking, and public realm, stated: “We’re looking at how they’re being used and collecting as much information as possible before we decide on our next move.“But we know that some people don’t like using apps, or would prefer to pay by card.” Mr. Muten emphasized the council’s view that it was “important” to ensure on-street parking payment processes are rendered as “easy as possible.” The specific locations where the trial is being conducted include Grand Avenue, King Alfred car park, two machines in Kingsway, two in Marine Parade, two in Madeira Drive, Norton Road car park, Rottingdean Marine Cliffs car park, Rottingdean West Street car park, and Spring Gardens near the North Laine.