Parking payment improvements will be coming to Brentwood in the coming months, a councillor has vowed.

The town’s current parking payment situation has led to “deep frustration” for many with cash-only machines or an app that users find challenging to use after difficulties have arisen between the council and the current provider.

But automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed in the multi-storey at Coptfold Road are expected to be activated from the end of July while an improved parking app should be rolled out over the next six months, according to Councillor David Kendall.

A new payment system for the multi-storey had initially been due to be working by April this year but due to operational issues that was pushed back.

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The council has added it continues efforts to negotiate a release from contractual obligations over the running of parking machines from the current provider.

However, Councillor Kendall said he was hopeful a new system –  similar if not the same as the one used in Chelmsford – will be rolled out by the end of the year. Currently in Brentwood payments can only be made with cash or a phone and pay system.

Councillor Kendall said: “I fully appreciate frustrations. It has taken a lot longer than we thought and were told.

“It is a cause of deep frustration for all of us. I do share residents’ frustrations. We want to get it sorted out.”

The council is planning to eventually roll out ANPR technology at all its car parks – thereby allowing people to pay after they leave.

Councillor Kendall said: “The whole idea is you stay for as long as you want to.”

Cllr Kendall is standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Brentwood and Ongar seat at the general election.

The other candidates are:
Gareth Barrett - Labour
Alex Burghart - Conservatives
Paul Godfrey - Reform UK
RJ Learmouth - Green
Robin Tilbrook - English Democrats