The option to pay by mobile could very soon be available at Council car parks in Sleaford, as part of work to address intermittent but recurring card payment difficulties.
Current signal and connectivity issues caused by reduced availability of the 3G network are at times preventing the Council’s car park machines from being able to take card payments.
Recognising the inconvenience caused for car park customers, North Kesteven District Council is urgently exploring how parking payments via mobile phone could be put in place.
It's hoped that it could be imminent, once a provider and a plan to implement the new system is agreed. It would likely be via an app along with the ability to pay over the phone.
The authority is also due to consider replacing the current machines with new cash and card machines, as a less immediate but longer-term solution. The existing machines are now coming towards the end of their lives.
In the meantime, every effort is being made to maintain and keep the current machines operational.
Daily checks are made on all of the Council’s parking machines in Sleaford. Any new issues however, such as a machine not taking cash, can be reported by calling the Council offices on 01529 414155.
The option to use cash remains and it’s still advisable to keep some with you, as all parking must be paid for.
Parking charges start from just 50p for two hours (at Grantham Road Car Park) or 70p for up to an hour (at Eastbanks, Cogglesford Watermill, Station Road and Westgate), plus the first hour free at the Town Council-owned Eastgate Car Park and free evening, Sunday and Bank Holiday parking at all Council-owned car parks.
There is also free parking at all North Kesteven District Council-owned car parks on every Saturday this December, to help welcome shoppers and visitors.