Drivers warned that they STILL be fined for parking even if they can’t pay for a very simple reason

A RAT has warned drivers they can still be fined for parking even if they can’t pay through an online app.

Merton City Council in London is planning to scrap hundreds of parking ticket machines as three-quarters of users now pay for parking through an app called RingGo.

1

However, Council documents have revealed drivers could still be fined for parking even if they can’t pay with RingGo.

Motorists have also been told, according to The Telegraph, that a dead phone battery or lack of service would not save them from avoiding a fine.

The documents state: “You should always make sure you have the means to pay for parking.

“If you are unable to use your phone, you should pay cash at a ticket machine. We would not cancel a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) in these circumstances.”

The controversy comes after a father was left angry after being given a parking fine by RingGo despite paying on the app.

A Merton Council spokesman said motorists would still have access to machines, but the disposal of so many makes it more likely that drivers will have to leave their vehicles to find one.

Not only is this a safety issue for families with children, but it also makes it incredibly difficult for people with mobility issues or injuries.

The decline in parking meters is understandably having a severe impact on older motorists.

Aging campaigners have warned that increasing reliance on payment apps risks “leaving behind” retirees who are less familiar with mobile phones.

Morgan Vine, director of policy and influence at the Independent Age, said: “If local governments rush to pay for parking without cash, they risk leaving a lot of people behind.

Many older people are happy to pay by card, but cash is still a lifeline for some people later in life who live in areas with poor WiFi signal, have concerns about fraud, or lack experience with digital payments.”

Caroline Abrahams, Director of Age UK, reiterated: “Cash is the preferred method of payment for many older people, including when parking their car.

“Modern parking machines make finding a parking space even more difficult than it often is.”

And a father has appealed to get a refund after being fined by RingGo for using the app to pay for the wrong car.