Millions of older drivers over 65 ‘have NOWHERE to park’ after strict rule change

MILLIONS of older drivers over the age of 65 may have nowhere to park amid rumours of a major rule change to parking.

Elderly motorists are likely to be worst affected as many UK parking meters continue to scrap cash payments and go cashless.

It follows a trend in the UK towards a cashless society, with a number of high street brands adopting strict card-only rules this year.

Now, an AA survey of more than 13,500 drivers found nearly half of motorists over the age of 65 would prefer paying for parking with cash.

46 per cent of this demographic preferred using cash, with one respondent saying they would “only go to car parks that take cash”.

Another added that they would “leave and find somewhere else” to park their motor if the site they were at did not accept cash.

A third also shared the same view, saying they would refuse to park at a location if cash was not accepted.

One outraged member told the AA they would leave a note in the windscreen of their car complaining about the lack of a cash payment option.

Others were also frustrated at the idea of having to park in the first place, with one saying they only park somewhere if it is free.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “Parking the car should be a simple and hassle free experience, but some drivers are becoming more frustrated as taking cash has become less common.

“During the pandemic, many councils moved to cashless solutions to reduce transmission while still encouraging people to use facilities when allowed.

“However, lots of local authorities have not returned to cash as the reduced administrative costs proved beneficial to their coffers, and are now going further than some drivers are willing to accept.”

He added: “While it is clear that younger drivers prefer contactless payment options, older and low income drivers want to pay by cash.

“In fact, some claim they drive on until they can do so.

“With the High Street already under strain, it seems counterintuitive for car parks to refuse a customer willing to pay.”

The AA survey found that 40 per cent of all drivers preferred to pay with cash, although this fell to just 12 per cent for Gen-Z motorists.

Jack added: “Allowing parking to be paid by a multitude of options seems the best solution for both car parks and drivers, but those opting to pay by app should take note that doing so could be more expensive as administration costs are added to the rates.”

This comes after a pensioner was told he couldn't park on his own driveway and that he now has to pay to leave his car on the road.

Bob Howes, 73, and his wife Dawn have lived in the property for 20 years and never had an issue with parking before.

The couple said they were shocked when they received a letter from the council banning them from parking on their drive because it had no dropped kerb.

Everything you need to know about parking

• Can I get two parking tickets in one day?
• Do I have to pay a private parking ticket?
• Can I be fined if your parking ticket falls off your dashboard?
• Is double parking illegal?
• How do I appeal a parking ticket?
• Can you park on double yellow lines on a Sunday?
• How can I report illegal parking?
• Can I reserve the parking space outside of my house?
• How close can I park to a dropped kerb?
• Is parking free on bank holidays?
• Can I park on a single yellow line?
• Can I be fined for parking across two spaces?
• Can I use somebody else's parking ticket in a car park?
• Who is allowed to park on my driveway?
• Where can I park with a blue badge?
• Can I be fined if the ticket machine is not working?
• How close can I park to a junction?
• Am I allowed to park on grass verges?

Despite offering to pay £3,000 for one to be installed, it was rejected.

The 73-year-old said he is “embarrassed” that he now has to leave his car on the street despite clearly having a driveway.

To add insult to injury, Bob also has to pay £30 a year for a permit to leave his car on the road because he lives in a controlled parking zone.

They have lived at their home inSouthampton, Hampshire, since 1984.

Motorists in Southampton can be fined if access to a driveway is over a pavement or verge without a dropped kerb.

The civil servant of 30 years said: “It’s a little bit embarrassing for us.

“To us, we have off-road parking, and we’ve had to explain to neighbours why we’re no longer parking there.

“I’d been parking on the drive for at least 20 years.

“Now we pay £30 a year for a parking permit and have a space on the other side of the road, as it does get busy around here.”