Council chiefs say they hope to introduce pay on exit barriers rather than ANPR systems for Lichfield city centre car parking in future.
Lichfield District Council’s cabinet debated proposals for future provision as part of a strategy on the issue.
It includes a switch to pay on exit parking rather than the current system.
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of the council, insisted he was keen to see barrier exits rather than fully automated systems.
“There is a bad rep around some ANPR operators because they are the type where it takes a picture and sends a fine out – that’s not what is being suggested.
“The system we hope to see will capture a number on camera purely so they know which vehicle has entered to charge the right vehicle for exiting.
“It is not going to be linked to a DVLA database or the like to send out fines – that is totally out of scope.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
Cllr Rob Strachan, cabinet member for finance, said the change was needed in order to encourage people to spend time in the city.
“We’ve seen negative experiences with ANPR car parks in this city recently, even where they are not operated by us.
“If that barrier system were more widely rolled out in time I would find myself able to support it.
“I’m particularly keen and heartened to see increased implementation of paying on exit – the days of feeding the meter then worrying about the time your parking is up.
“Having the pressure to feed the meter curtails the length of a visit and hopefully is on the way out. We can then have a situation where people visit the city can spend their time without worrying when their time will be up and they’ll get a ticket on their car.
“They will feel far more comfortable knowing they are able to pay for the parking they’ve used when they leave.”
Cllr Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council
