Lincoln's free parking offer could exclude older people

Lincoln City Council is offering one hour of free parking at two car parks while Bailgate is resurfaced, but Age UK warns the app-based system and required registration for the phone line could exclude people without smartphones.

Lincoln City Council is offering one hour of free parking at Westgate 1 and St Paul's Lane while Bailgate is resurfaced. The offer aims to replace lost free on-street parking during the work. The council says the free hour is available via the PayByPhone app or by calling an automated payment line that asks new users to register. Age UK has warned that some older people without smartphones or who find apps difficult could be excluded. Key facts: - The free one-hour parking applies at Westgate 1 and St Paul's Lane during Bailgate resurfacing. - The council says the offer is available through the PayByPhone app and an automated payment line that requires registration for new users. - Physical ticket machines will continue to charge the usual fee and, the council says, would need a costly software upgrade to accept registration numbers. - Age UK has called on the council to ensure people without smartphones can access the free parking. Summary: The short-term free parking aims to cover the period while Bailgate is resurfaced, a project the council says may take up to three months. The council has said upgrading machines would be too costly for a temporary change, and Age UK has urged the council to reconsider access options. Undetermined at this time.