Members of the public have expressed their frustration after several ticket machines in Amersham have stopped working.

Those living in the town have contacted the Free Press to report that some machines were unable to take payment, whilst others were only usable via the RingGo system.

Some have disputed that the latter method, which is primarily done via a smartphone, has put ‘barriers’ up for those wanting to park in the town, especially towards those who don’t have access to the app.

Sarah Jones, who is the chairperson of Chiltern u3a, a 1,300 people strong organisation consisting of members from Amersham to help elderly members of the public with activities, told the BFP that some members have reluctantly refused to attend events down to the ongoing parking issues.

The activities are held at the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre along Chiltern Avenue.

She said: “Our members are coming to the centre to find that the parking pay machines are not working and they are expected to walk around looking for a machine that works.

“Many of our members are north of 70 years old and they are being told to do that or use their smartphones to pay by the RingGo app. 

“But there are two problems.

“One is that some don’t have smartphones and two, some resent paying the so-called 'convenience' charge.

“It’s ridiculous.

“People have been told to park somewhere else, but some are frail so it’s not fair to walk all that way.

 The stress of it all is impacting the mental wellbeing of some of our members, because if they don’t know where to park, they won’t turn up.”

“Something needs to be done.”

In a statement from Buckinghamshire Council surrounding the issues, they said: “Buckinghamshire Council always aims to repair parking payment machines at the earliest possible opportunity.

“A number of cash payment machines in our car parks have reached their natural end of life and where it is no longer viable to carry out repairs we have replaced them with machines that accept card payments and also promote an alternative digital platform.

“This is because data tells us that the majority of people prefer to pay digitally, particularly since the pandemic.

“Our county-wide records show that since 2020, 79 per cent of our customers who previously paid by cash, now choose to pay using a digital payment method.

Bucks Free Press: Sarah Jones told the Free Press that the situation 'ridiculous' Sarah Jones told the Free Press that the situation 'ridiculous' (Image: NA)

“We appreciate that not everyone wants to pay in this way and so where possible, cash payment machines are kept alongside the newer machines for as long as possible – this includes utilising existing machines and spare parts from removed cash machines across different car parks to give as much access as possible.

“Additionally, anyone with a valid Blue Badge is able to park free of charge within all council car parks.

“RingGo is in place as the digital and alternative payment method with customers able to pay via the app, online or by calling the automated phone number which can be used by those without a smartphone.

“Surplus income generated from parking services is spent on the upkeep of car parks, along with other transport projects, environmental improvements and other highways and road initiatives which benefit our communities.”