Drivers warned they will STILL be fined for parking even if they can’t pay for a very simple reason

A COUNCIL has warned drivers that they will still be fined for parking even if they can’t pay through an online app.

Merton council in London plans to axe hundreds of pay-and-display machines as three-quarters of users now pay to park through an app called RingGo.

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However, council documents have revealed that drivers could still be slapped with a parking fine even where they are unable to pay using RingGo.

Motorists have also been told that running out of phone battery or not having service would not save them from escaping a fine, according to The Telegraph.

The documents said: “You should always ensure that you have the means to pay for parking.

“If you are unable to use your phone you should pay with cash at a ticket machine. We would not cancel a PCN (penalty charge notice) in these circumstances.”

The controversy comes after a Dad was left fuming after being given a parking fine by RingGo despite paying on the app.

A Merton council spokesman said that motorists would still have access to machines but the disposal of so many raises the prospect of drivers having to leave their vehicles to find one.

This is not only a safety issue for those with kids but makes it incredibly difficult on those with mobility problems or injuries.

The decline in parking machines has understandably had a severe impact on older motorists.

Age campaigners have warned that the increasing reliance on payment apps risks “leaving behind” pensioners who are less familiar with mobile phones.

Morgan Vine, head of policy and influencing at Independent Age, said: “If councils rush to make car park payments cashless, they risk leaving many people behind.

Lots of older people are comfortable making payments by card, however, cash is still a lifeline for some people in later life who lives in areas with poor Wi-Fi signal, have concerns about scams or a lack of experience using digital payments.”

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK echoed this: “Cash is the go-to payment method for many older people, including when they park their car.

“Modern parking machines are making it even harder to find somewhere to park than it often already is.”

And a Dad has appealed to get a refund after being slapped with a fine by RingGo when he paid for the wrong car using the app.