Local business owners are raising concerns about mandatory parking app requirements that they say exclude elderly customers and threaten town center commerce. The controversy centers on parking facilities managed by Apcoa, where drivers must use a smartphone application to pay, despite challenges including poor mobile signal coverage in some areas.
David Patrick, owner of DC Patrick Newsagents, has become a vocal critic of the system after observing its impact on his customer base. According to Patrick, many elderly shoppers lack either the necessary smartphones or the technical knowledge to navigate parking apps, effectively barring them from visiting local businesses.
Digital Parking Systems Create Accessibility Barriers
The shift to app-only parking payment has created significant obstacles for segments of the population less comfortable with digital technology. Patrick highlighted that the transition appeared to happen suddenly, with little consideration for customers who cannot adapt quickly to new payment methods. Additionally, unreliable mobile network coverage in the area compounds the problem, making it difficult even for tech-savvy users to complete transactions.
The newsagent owner expressed particular frustration with how the policy affects vulnerable customers. “The little old lady or the little old man have not got the apps or phones, and I am just flabbergasted by it… and I think they’re killing the towns,” he stated, emphasizing the exclusionary nature of digital-only parking solutions.
Impact on Traditional High Street Commerce
Beyond accessibility concerns, local retailers worry about the broader economic implications of restrictive parking policies. Patrick noted that town centers depend heavily on regular, repeat customers who may now choose to shop elsewhere rather than struggle with complicated parking app systems. The loss of convenient parking options could accelerate the decline already facing many traditional high streets.
However, the issue extends beyond simple inconvenience. Business owners argue that parking operators and property managers are prioritizing short-term revenue generation over the long-term viability of local commercial districts. Patrick criticized what he described as a “very, very short-sighted” approach that fails to recognize how parking accessibility directly affects retail sustainability.
Co-op Property and Revenue Considerations
The parking facilities in question are reportedly associated with Co-op properties, where Apcoa manages parking enforcement and payment collection. Meanwhile, retailers suggest that while companies naturally seek to maximize revenue from their assets, the current app-only approach may ultimately prove counterproductive if it drives customers away entirely.
The poor mobile signal Patrick mentioned represents a technical challenge that affects both elderly users and younger customers alike. In areas with inadequate cellular coverage, even willing users cannot reliably access parking apps to complete payment, potentially leading to unfair parking citations or deterring visits altogether.
Growing Debate Over Digital Exclusion
This controversy reflects a wider national conversation about digital exclusion and the rapid elimination of cash and alternative payment methods. According to various consumer advocacy groups, millions of people across the country lack access to smartphones or reliable internet connectivity, making mandatory app-based services inherently discriminatory.
The situation also raises questions about whether parking operators should be required to maintain alternative payment options for those unable to use digital platforms. In contrast to the convenience apps provide to some users, critics argue that eliminating all other payment methods creates unnecessary barriers to essential services and public spaces.
Local authorities have not yet confirmed whether they plan to intervene or require parking operators to offer non-digital alternatives. The outcome may depend on whether enough businesses and residents raise formal complaints about accessibility and the impact on town center vitality.
