I’m furious my council has introduced a new online parking scheme – and I think it’s AGEIST

PENSIONERS in Kent are furious at council's move to an online system for parking.

The changes by Canterbury City Council means drivers now need the RingGo parking app to park in numerous council car parks.

These include car parks in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Drivers can also phone up to pay, but some are frustrated that they are being forced to embrace the new technology.

74 year-old Sheila Miller who runs an elderly sea swimming group at Seasalter thinks the changes will deter some of her group from attending.

She said: “It’s ageist and absolutely discriminatory against the elderly.

“We can’t plead poverty as we can afford cars and drive. It’s just that many of the elderly do not have a smartphone, or know how to use RingGo."

This is after a controversial new charging plan was introduced at the Faversham Road car park an Seasalter just this month.

It now costs drivers a fixed fee of £1.50 to park during the week and £3 at the weekends.

Miller said: “You need to be able to register with RingGo or download the app - but many in my group have found this impossible, and some do not know what an app is.

“Putting in bank details on a mobile can be scary for the older generation, as they are afraid of scams.”

Seasalter swimmer Helen Nattrass said: “I come swimming here about four times a week.

“RingGo is ridiculous as it overcharged me. It’s so difficult to use. We’re all from the district yet we get treated like tourists.”

It's clear there is wider discontent at the changes as some of the new parking signs at the Faversham Road car park have been vandalised with graffiti.

Council spokesman Leo Whitlock said: “While we understand the fact the imposition of new parking charges is never popular, the money generated helps pay for the vital frontline services the council provides to those who desperately need our help.

“Repeatedly defacing the signs at Faversham Road with graffiti is puerile, a bit pathetic and a clear case of criminal damage should the perpetrator get caught.

"People without a mobile phone can call 01227 802804 and pay before they leave home."