Pay & Display Machines Repaired Following ‘Deliberate Sabotage’

Issues with Pay & Display ticket machines in Wrexham have resulted in free parking for shoppers over the past few days – however plans to introduce modern ticket machines to help combat vandalism are set to be introduced this spring.

Over the past few days there have been a number of reports with Pay and Display machines in Wrexham Town Centre, including issues in Waterworld, Market Street and St Giles.

Last week Gavin told Wrexham.com: “The car park machines at Waterworld are not working. Note on my car because my son has swim lesson and I need to park.”

While Lisa added: “Shock, the pay & display machines at Waterworld swallowing money but not dishing out tickets again. So irritating.”

Others however have welcomed the free car parking, with Alex saying: “Free Parking at St Giles Carpark! Two machines out of order @wrexham @wrexhamcbc #freeparking.”

Speaking today about the ticket machines, Cllr David A. Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The pay and display machines are checked daily by the enforcement officers. If any faults are found that they can rectify they do so. If there are any that they can’t fix, the machines are placed out of order with a sign whilst we wait for the engineer to attend.

“Officers have been to machines at Waterworld, St Giles and Market Street car parks this morning and any minor faults with them were rectified, with only two requiring a call-out from an engineer.

There have been similar reports of issues with town centre ticket machines over the past few months – with machines in Market Street out of action for almost a month in September, after vandals smashed their way into the machines.

Last month member’s of Wrexham’s Executive Board approved proposals to introduce car parking changes from April 2016 – including potentially upgrading Pay and Display machines in town centre car parks.

Cllr Bithell added: “We have an ongoing investigation with North Wales Police regarding the deliberate sabotage of Pay and Display machines.

“In a bid to improve our facilities, the council’s executive board recently approved a review of our Pay and Display machines to cashless units, and this is currently being looked at.”

*Picture – Damage caused to Market Street Pay and Display Machines in September / October