All drivers face higher parking fees as nationwide 3G network shutdown forces councils to rethink charges

The British Parking Association called on operators using SIMs on 3G networks to check whether it will continue with 2G or whether it requires upgrading to 4G.

According to Reading Council, the move away from 3G has caused a huge problem for the authority which is now having to rethink its parking structure.

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The council warned: "The in-service pay and display machines are nearing end of life and critically, support for the machine’s connectivity, which allows the parking service to monitor faults, usage etc will be lost as nationally the 3G network is switched off by three of the four main operators.

"Operating the machines without this functionality will lead to additional cost, a likely reduction in revenue and a poor customer experience."

"The impending switch off of 3G will render the present pay and display machines unable to communicate with the back office. This loss of connectivity will mean there will be no access to data or transactions or alerts when a machine is not working."

The report suggested that councils could upgrade the software used or consider removing some terminals, as they will all need upgrading eventually.

The council is looking at introducing new emission-based parking charges which could offer a solution. It stated that the proposed charges for on-street parking and resident parking permits would be based on a sliding scale of a vehicle’s emissions.

Last year, Croydon Council announced it would also be discontinuing its on-street pay and display machines because they operate on the 3G mobile phone network, citing increased maintenance and replacement costs.

Speaking at the time, Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: "With the pay and display parking machines being switched off, we are making every effort to ensure that the transition to mobile payment parking is as smooth as possible.

"We have listened to the issues raised through pilot schemes and are looking to reduce the impact of change wherever possible. Mobile payment for parking should make the system easier and more convenient to use for residents and visitors."

According to a Local Government Association survey of 53 councils, the majority are preparing for the 3G switch, although nearly two-thirds are still using devices reliant on 2G and 3G networks.

Over half (57 per cent) of respondent councils explained the 3G network is still being used for highways, transport and parking services despite the impending removal.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, LGA digital connectivity spokesperson said: "Councils want to do all they can to minimise the impact of the 2G and 3G network switch off but cannot do it alone.

"We need Government and telecoms leaders to work together to raise awareness of the transition and what it means for those at the sharp end, including on how best to manage the move to the latest technology."

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The survey also recorded how only 35 per cent of respondents were confident in their authority’s highways, transport and parking services department’s ability to manage the switch off of the 2G and 3G networks.