RESIDENTS have voiced concerns over a new parking scheme which is set to be rolled out.

Halstead Town Council wants drivers to switch from using cash to pay for parking in the town.

New machines will let motorists make contactless card payments or use cash.

The council hopes to cut down the amount of time staff spend counting money. It also means people do not have to carry cash.

READ MORE >> Call to ditch cash for card usage when parking as new systems on the way

However, some residents have voiced concerns on social media.

Katie Martin said: “Cash is much easier. I’ve spent ages downloading the relevant parking app in towns only for it to not work.”

Vanessa Johnson said: “I use Butler Road car park regularly to visit my grandson. Not once would the machine accept my card.

“I tried again yesterday and declined yet again. I found a pound in my bag but obviously no change given so very costly for a quick visit.”

There is also a rise in parking charges from April 1.

Short-stay pay and display prices will increase from 70p and £1.50 to £1 and £2 depending on the length of stay.

Some residents called to make parking in the town free.

Sammy Jackson said: “Why not free? It would make it a lot easier to shop in town.”

Charlotte Ward added: “They should just make it free parking.

“They want people to come to Halstead and shop and eat and spend their money, but you have to pay to park and the free parking on the high street is limited to one hour.

“I think we are lucky to have lots of interesting shops here, but if the council wants to attract visitors from outside, they have to make more free parking, especially towards the top of the town as not everyone is able to walk all the way up the hill.

“We are going to turn into a ghost town when all the shops pack up and go to Sudbury.”

But town councillor Jackie Pell defended the move.

She said: “The prices had been frozen because of Covid and now we need to catch up. Don’t forget we have to pay parking charges as well – the council doesn’t get it for free.

“But it is free every day after 3pm, on Sundays and on bank holidays.

“I don’t think people will be turned away from the town.”