Several Liberal Democrat councillors in Amersham have revealed that more people in the town are struggling to use numerous car park machines due to technical issues.

Earlier this month, it was reported that several machines, which are cashless, will be replaced after they were riddled with problems.

These have caused several queues in car parks across the town.

In a cabinet meeting on July 16, Steve Broadbent, who is the Cabinet Member for Transport as well as the Council’s deputy leader, demanded that the machines be replaced just two years after they were installed.

However, 10 days later, many remain which has caused a negative impact to several residents.

The machines in question are cashless, with users having to pay for spaces via apps such as RingGo.

In an official letter that was sent to the Free Press, nine Liberal Democrat Amersham Town councillors expressed their concerns over the faulty equipment.

They said: “After relentlessly shining a spotlight on this issue for over two years, first with the failing old cash machines and then the unreliable new but faulty machines, we hope the Council will take full account of the feedback that we and others have given over that time.

“The modern machines, installed just over 18 months ago, did not meet users’ requirements, as the frequent breakdown of the machines left users with no option but to use RingGo.

“Many of the elderly and those with certain disabilities (not having a Blue Badge) do not have a smartphone and/or cannot cope with the app or automated phone system (to say nothing of the additional cost).

“For them, having to use RingGo as the only practical option has been unsuitable and unpopular from the start.

“Residents have said they are not listened to.

“Concerns reported to the Council have been dismissed, asserting that the machines are monitored regularly (but which hasn’t resulted in prompt action) and that RingGo is available.

“Their suggestion that those who cannot use RingGo should park elsewhere, ignoring their need to park as close as possible to shops and facilities, is unhelpful, to say nothing of the lack of available parking elsewhere.”

The nine councillors, who are Jane Barnes, Rachel Dineley, Vera Head, Jason Keeler, Howard Maitland-Jones, Dominic Pinkney, Mark Roberts, Elizabeth Shepherd and Simon Woodhead, also expressed their anger that Buckinghamshire Council confirmed that parking charges will increase in the county.

The changes to on and off-street parking charges will come into force by September 1 after being approved by cabinet members during a meeting on July 16.

Council leader Martin Tett claimed the measures, which affect 104 car parking sites from Aylesbury to Iver, were necessary due to the budgetary pressures facing the authority.

The nine councillors said: “To rub salt into the wound, Bucks Council is proceeding with its plan to extend parking charges into the evenings and to introduce charges on Sundays and bank holidays, despite wide opposition to the short-sighted proposal.

“It is a significant kick in the teeth for high street businesses, putting additional barriers in their way by deterring potential customers, and milking car park users who are already contributing to the significant profits made by the Council on its car parks.”