Six new parking machines for Christchurch after drivers complain about poor phone signal
BCP Council reinstates payment facilities at three locations following trial that removed underused machines across the area
Six new pay-and-display parking machines are to be installed at three Christchurch locations after residents and visitors reported difficulties paying because of poor mobile phone signal and limited access to alternative machines.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said it had completed a review of its parking machines following a trial in which underused machines were removed from car parks across the area.
The new machines will be installed at Highcliffe Castle, where one is planned; Mudeford Quay, which will receive three; and Bank Close, where two will be provided.
The council said the decision followed customer feedback during the trial, with the new machines intended to address problems in areas where mobile connectivity can be unreliable.
They will accept both cash and card payments and use technology designed to provide a more reliable service.
Councillor Richard Herrett said the council had listened to concerns and targeted investment where it was most needed.
“The trial showed that we could remove a number of underused machines while continuing to provide a variety of payment facilities across our car parks,” he said.
Rather than disposing of decommissioned machines, components have been reused to repair and maintain those still in operation.
Cllr Herrett said reusing parts had reduced waste and provided better value for taxpayers, while the new machines would restore payment options in parts of Christchurch where concerns had been raised.
The changes come as drivers increasingly move towards digital payments. Across BCP Council car parks, about 72% of customers now pay using a parking app, while a further 20% use bank cards.