Major overhaul of Wiltshire car parks planned by council

Many drivers in Chippenham have been frustrated by the lack of working parking machines in the busy Bath Road car park throughout much of 2024.

Two of the three machines have been out of action for months after being severely damaged by vandals.

Now they are expected to be replaced as part of a £380,000 county-wide programme to install new machines across Wiltshire.

Drivers have described the current situation in Bath Road as a “nightmare” with many unwilling or unable to use the MiPermit app to pay.

One driver said: “It’s horrendous trying to park unless you’re willing to pay by mobile phone and I prefer not to do that, which is a preference I’m entitled to.

READ MORE: Council gives update on parking machines hit by 'vandalism'

Broken parking machines in Bath Road car park (Image: Newsquest)

“A lot of people don’t know how to pay by phone, but the machines have been covered up for months.

“I tried four different machines in two car parks before I could pay, it certainly puts me off parking in town.”

The works will take place between July and September, with parking machines across Chippenham scheduled to be replaced in July.

The first machines will be installed in Malborough and Malmesbury, before upgrades in Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Salisbury, Westbury, and other towns.

They will all provide customers with the choice of paying using cash or card, while drivers can still pay by phone using the MiPermit App.

All new machines will be sustainably powered and are compliant with the Equality Act 2010.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, believes the changes will make the process of parking “much easier” for customers.

SEE MORE: Chippenham parking row leads shopper to boycott town centre

Broken parking machine in Bath Road car park, Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “In the coming months, it will be easier for people who are using Wiltshire Council car parks to pay for their parking using cash, contactless card or mobile device, or using the MyPermit app.

“This parking machine upgrade programme is part of a £380,000 investment into our car parks and will significantly improve the customer experience when visiting out vibrant and diverse retail central whilst also helping us to deliver our business plan commitment to have well-connected communities.

“The upgraded machines will be installed over the next few months, with installation prioritised in those car parks where the machines have been highlighted as more liable to break down and needing repairs.”

The upgrades are expected to cause minimal disruption as other machines will remain available in most car parks.