Paying for parking by phone

[EDmummy]

Not ED but wondered if anyone had advice. I parked in Vestry Rd, Camberwell, today and used the phone payment system. On the machine it said it would cost ?2.40/hour - cheaper than if you pay in the machine (which I think is ?2.70/hour). I only wanted to pay for 1 1/2 hours but it only offered me to chose the number of hours rather than the number of minutes (which has been my experience when using the phone system in Denmark Hill). So, after having to already pay an extra ?1.20 for half an hour more than I wanted, it then charged me ?5.00 instead of ?4.80.

We're only talking small change here but this is an almighty money making scam! Who should I take this up with - directly with the Council or get our local Councillor involved before I make a formal complaint?

[Nero]

Please copy your letter to your MP, and to Which?

[gm99]

You get charged a ?0.20 'convenience fee' for paying by phone.

[Marmora Man]

I tend to use phone payment systems as:

1. I don't often have the right quantity of change

2. I get a reminder just before the time runs out and can extend time without having to return to the car

3. Have invariably found I'm charged in minutes.

The 20p convenience charge is OK by me.

[Salsaboy]

What Marmora Man said. I think it's a great system. It also emails me a receipt which keeps my accountant happy.

[mynamehere]

Cllr Barrie Hargrove is Southwark's cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling; a portfolio which covers rubbish collection, roads, parks and much more, with a budget of more than ?65m a year

Correspondence Address:

c/o Members' Room

160 Tooley Street

London

SE1 2QH

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