Freedom ruined by parking fiasco

One of our first trips after lockdown ended was to Wells-next-the-Sea on the Norfolk coast. For once there were parking spaces on the quay. However, it was impossible to purchase a ticket. We saw that a mobile app was needed to pay and, although we’re quite computer-literate, we do not use apps on a mobile.

There was a machine but it would not read our debit card.

After a fruitless search for change, we gave up – the day of freedom we had looked forward to for so long was spoiled.

On another day we drove to Great Yarmouth, but the same thing happened. We tried four car parks but payment was by app only.

Imagine our shock to then get a fine for £100 for parking for 18 minutes at Wells quay. The injustice of it! We have appealed and will see what transpires, but now we’re too worried to go anywhere because of the problems parking, and certainly cannot afford these unjustified penalties. As others come out of lockdown, we are back to square one. When will councils accept that not everyone can or wants to pay by app?

J. Keay, Norfolk