New parking machines cause frustration for locals in Waterford 

The usability of new pay and display parking machines, which were recently rolled out in Waterford, have been a source of frustration for locals, councillors say.

Twenty of the new machines have been installed in Dungarvan. They have also been rolled out in carparks in the city and Tramore.

Waterford City and County Council said that the “new machines will offer a much-improved experience for users, with a faster and more reliable service. They will accept both coin and secure debit/credit card payments, making it easier than ever to pay for parking, whether you prefer to use cash or card. 

"The machines will also display clear tariff information and helpful on-screen messages."

According to councillors, however, the machines have been confusing locals.

Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan/Lismore district, Cllr Pat Nugent said that the machines have given the Council “a lot of bad publicity”. 

He added that requiring drivers to enter their vehicle registration number into the machines when parking is not ideal.

“I can’t remember my own car number and the public can’t remember their own either. I think we’re taking our eye off the ball by leaving it fester as it is. It’s not simple to use and people walk across the car park and then can’t remember their car number and they might have a ticket on their car when they go back. “ 

Cllr Kate O’Mahoney said that she has also had representation from locals who have been having issues with the machines.

“It’s concerning workers in Dungarvan town," she said.

"If you go into work and are paying for a daily ticket at 9am, that ticket is valid until 10:30 tomorrow. So when you come back to work at 9am the next morning, the machine won't allow you to buy a ticket until 10:30 because it knows your car registration number.

“What’s happening is people are getting caught, especially people in local retail and hospitality.” 

Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes, responded to the concerns at last week's meeting of Dungarvan/Lismore municipal district.

Mr. Hynes advised that users read the machine instructions or use the council parking app.

He said: “Traffic wardens have been helping people out with the machines, but what I would advise people is that the instructions are in front of you if you take the time to read them.

“I accept what the Cathaoirleach said, if you don’t know the number to your car, it does pose a difficulty because you lose time. So if you’re going to the meter, you need to make sure you know the number of the car you’re getting the ticket for, otherwise you won't be able to get said ticket."