NEW machines in Ceredigion council run car parks are so difficult to use that some find it a “humiliating experience”, a councillor has warned, as calls are made to address the issue.

Ceredigion council introduced the card-only machines in December last year after charging was suspended at the start of the UK-wide lockdown in March.

It was warned at the time that the new card-only machines would disadvantage older people and a campaign against the scheme was launched.

However, now new problems have arisen, with Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans warning that people were struggling to use the machines, causing queues of people having to wait to pay for parking as the county heads into the busy summer season.

“The issue isn’t just in Aberaeron but throughout the county,” Cllr Evans said.

“The main problem is that the instructions are too small, too complicated, and there is no indication on how to transfer from Welsh to English and vice versa.

“There are long queues at every machine and for many it is a humiliating experience.

“People have contacted me from all over the county, many have bought weekly tickets instead of the couple of hours required.

“Business people are telling me that it’s having a detrimental impact on their business, and many are late for their appointments.”

Cllr Evans called for more instruction and information to be put out by the council to alleviate the issue.

“Some counties have put out a video on how to use their machines with clear instructions, but not everyone is on social media,” Cllr Evans added.

“If we had clear signs that can be read with ease by the side of every machine, that would certainly help.

“As things stand, the instructions are illegible to many.

“Ceredigion council must address this issue because not everyone is wrong, and there is a clear pattern to people’s experiences.”

Ceredigion council said that it is “in its own interest that the pay and display machines in its car park are functional, fit for purpose and user friendly”.

“Taking into account the number of transactions made at our pay and display machines the number of contacts received in relation to their use is low,” the council said.

“We are aware of positive feedback as well as of other comments relating to some issues which we are looking into.

“New signage has recently been sited near the machines with improved step by step instructions to further support customers in using them. We will be looking at further options in this regard moving forward.”