Residents parking Fears over digital permits dismissed
BRISTOL City Council has moved to reassure residents concerned about digital parking permits.
Spike Island resident Shereen Jefferson and Nigel Whittle, of Hotwells, told the Bristol Post they were worried people without internet access would be unable to register for permits following the introduction of a digital service last year.
But the council has now issued a reminder that paper permits will continue to be issued where required.
A council spokesperson said: “If a resident is unable to access the internet and has no other options available we will continue to issue them with the paper permits.”
Since November 2019, motorists living in a residential parking scheme area have been able to apply for permits online through the MiPermit portal, accessible through the council’s website.
Permits had previously only been available in paper form, with holders needing to physically display them in their vehicles.
Miss Jefferson, a bartender, claims most of her neighbours did not know about the revised system until she told them.
The 53-year-old said she was worried some elderly residents would miss out on permits because they do not have an internet link, meaning they would not be able to access the MiPermit portal.
Miss Jefferson said: “People who don’t have the internet, I don’t know how they’re going to manage.
“I just think it’s awful for the elderly.
Maybe not so bad for people in their 20s, but as soon as you hit 40 it’s not good at all.”
Miss Jefferson said her alarm was heightened when she contacted the council seeking paper permits.
Miss Jefferson said: “I told them I don’t have access to the internet and they sent me a card but they said, ‘This is the last time.’”
Mr Whittle, a retired bar manager at the BBC, said most people living in his building would struggle with the digital system.
“My block is an elderly block – there’s hardly anyone here who’s online,” said the 72-year-old.
The council is now seeking to clear up any confusion over the changes.
In a statement sent to the Post, a spokesman wrote: “We encourage citizens to use the new digital system wherever possible, as this is much more efficient and, in essence, a realtime application process.
“The new system has meant paper permits no longer need to be displayed in applicants’ vehicles and improved our overall management of parking permits.
“Day-to-day operational costs and council’s overall carbon footprint have also been reduced.
“However, if a resident is unable to access the internet and has no other options available we will continue to issue them with the paper permits.
“We would urge anyone who needs this help to contact the council’s parking services on 0117 922 2000.
“An information leaflet explaining the change to digital permits has been sent out upon the expiry of the paper ones and further details are available at http://www.bristol.gov.uk/parking/ get-visitors-permits.”