Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Deal to upgrade Stratford’s parking meters is ‘few weeks away’




AFTER more than a year of waiting, Stratford’s parking meters have still not been replaced and many remain covered up and out of order.

After a string of problems involving older motorists trying to pay for tickets, the Herald reported in May 2023 that Warwickshire County Council was not phasing out cash-taking machines, but it was working to replace them with newer models.

But that has still not happened and, while drivers can pay for parking using mobile phones, many are still being left frustrated if they want to pay with cash.

One recent incident saw a woman in her 70s rescued by a Good Samaritan armed with a phone app after a machine near the Falcon Hotel in Chapel Street would not take any cash.

The woman tried the next nearest machine but that one was out of order.

Sheep Street. Photo: Iain Duck
Sheep Street. Photo: Iain Duck

Her situation was saved by a younger woman who paid for the parking with her phone app but it left the pensioner annoyed and frustrated.

She said: “I am sure I am not the only person in my 70s who does not have RingGo on their phone. This lovely young lady helped me by paying my parking on her phone. Thank you.”

WCC confirmed to the Herald that the plan was still to replace the parking meters, but was unable to give a timescale for when it would happen.

A council spokesperson apologised for the machines being out of order and added: “The council is in the process of investing over £1m in new machines that will offer cash, contactless and card payments across the county to give our residents and visitors options for payment for parking.

“In the meantime we are working closely with the current contractor to manage and maintain our existing meters, some of which are almost 15 years old.

“Once again we are sorry this situation has occurred, please be assured we are working hard to improve the parking facilities.”

High Street. Photo: Iain Duck
High Street. Photo: Iain Duck

However, when asked to confirm when the new machines would be available, they added: “We are unable to provide a more definitive timescale at the present time, other than to say that we are in the final stages of entering into the procurement process for the new machines and are hopeful that this can be accomplished within the next few weeks. Once a provider is chosen, we can then roll out the new machines to replace the old ones.

“In the meantime, we have asked the existing contractors to prioritise repairs in the area to minimise any disruption for our customers.”

County councillor Kate Rolfe (Lib Dem, Stratford South) previously told the Herald she’d been informed that there were 55 pay and display machines in Stratford, and around half of the new ones would have a pay-by-cash facility.

Bridge Street. Photo: Iain Duck
Bridge Street. Photo: Iain Duck


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More