Outrage over cashless parking meters: High costs and privacy concerns
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Parking in Sydney has always been challenging, but the latest developments have left many motorists fuming over what they see as an unfair cash grab and an unnecessary complication to their daily routines.
Introducing new cashless parking meters in some of Sydney's more affluent suburbs has sparked criticism, with residents and visitors calling the system invasive, overly complicated, and expensive.
The North Sydney Council rolled out the new system in July, requiring motorists to leap through several digital hoops before leaving their cars in peace.
Gone are the days of simply dropping a few coins into a meter.
Now, drivers are expected to download an app, create an account, and provide a raft of personal information, including their full name, phone number, car registration, and credit card details.
Every transaction using the Touch N Go boxes or the PayStay app incurs an 8.25 per cent surcharge.
This surcharge has left many questioning the system's fairness, especially considering the already high cost of living in Sydney.
The frustration is palpable, with talkback radio host Ben Fordham highlighting the confusion caused by the council's rollout.
‘The old parking meters are still there with garbage bags over the top of them and masking tape going around them,’ he said.
The backlash isn't just about the cost or the invasion of privacy; it's also about the complexity of the system and its accessibility.
Jody, a listener of Fordham's show, voiced her exasperation, pointing out how the new system is particularly challenging for older people who may need to be more tech-savvy.
‘What happened to anonymously chucking a coin in a meter and getting on with your day?’ she questioned.
‘When did it become so complicated and time-consuming just to park the car?’
The sentiment is echoed across social media, with many lamenting the loss of the simple coin-operated meter.
‘Whatever happened to just dropping a few coins in the meter? The whole system is a joke – and we’re the punchline,’
Even Jessica Keen, a Liberal candidate for North Sydney Council with four years of experience on the council and the traffic committee, admitted to struggling with the system.
‘I was on council for four years and sat on traffic committee, so I’m very across parking meters, and I was also like Jody trying to work it out,’ she said.
If someone with her background finds it difficult, what hope is there for the average driver?
One of the most significant concerns raised is the exclusion of those without mobile phones.
In a society where we're increasingly reliant on technology, there's a risk of leaving behind those who either choose not to or cannot engage with these digital systems.
In response to the uproar, a spokesperson for North Sydney Council has stated that drivers have three payment options: the traditional parking meters (where still available), the Touch N Go boxes, or the PayStay app.
However, more is needed to address the concerns about privacy, the additional costs, and the system's complexity.
Have you had an experience with these new parking meters? Do you find them convenient or cumbersome? And what do you think about the additional surcharge? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.
Introducing new cashless parking meters in some of Sydney's more affluent suburbs has sparked criticism, with residents and visitors calling the system invasive, overly complicated, and expensive.
The North Sydney Council rolled out the new system in July, requiring motorists to leap through several digital hoops before leaving their cars in peace.
Gone are the days of simply dropping a few coins into a meter.
Sydney's new parking meters require a criticised cashless system. Credit: North Sydney Council
Now, drivers are expected to download an app, create an account, and provide a raft of personal information, including their full name, phone number, car registration, and credit card details.
Every transaction using the Touch N Go boxes or the PayStay app incurs an 8.25 per cent surcharge.
This surcharge has left many questioning the system's fairness, especially considering the already high cost of living in Sydney.
The frustration is palpable, with talkback radio host Ben Fordham highlighting the confusion caused by the council's rollout.
‘The old parking meters are still there with garbage bags over the top of them and masking tape going around them,’ he said.
The backlash isn't just about the cost or the invasion of privacy; it's also about the complexity of the system and its accessibility.
Jody, a listener of Fordham's show, voiced her exasperation, pointing out how the new system is particularly challenging for older people who may need to be more tech-savvy.
‘What happened to anonymously chucking a coin in a meter and getting on with your day?’ she questioned.
‘When did it become so complicated and time-consuming just to park the car?’
The sentiment is echoed across social media, with many lamenting the loss of the simple coin-operated meter.
‘Whatever happened to just dropping a few coins in the meter? The whole system is a joke – and we’re the punchline,’
Even Jessica Keen, a Liberal candidate for North Sydney Council with four years of experience on the council and the traffic committee, admitted to struggling with the system.
‘I was on council for four years and sat on traffic committee, so I’m very across parking meters, and I was also like Jody trying to work it out,’ she said.
If someone with her background finds it difficult, what hope is there for the average driver?
One of the most significant concerns raised is the exclusion of those without mobile phones.
In a society where we're increasingly reliant on technology, there's a risk of leaving behind those who either choose not to or cannot engage with these digital systems.
In response to the uproar, a spokesperson for North Sydney Council has stated that drivers have three payment options: the traditional parking meters (where still available), the Touch N Go boxes, or the PayStay app.
However, more is needed to address the concerns about privacy, the additional costs, and the system's complexity.
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