SOUTHEND must not scrap cash for parking payments as it will exclude older people and those without smart phones, say businesses and residents.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has written to all council’s insisting parking payments must not become totally cashless as it singles out older people and generations.

Sheila Brixton, 86, from Southend, said: “I think any plan to get rid of cash for parking, or anything for that matter, is ridiculous.

“I can’t use the apps and do like using card to pay for parking, it isn’t as easy as using cash. I am very pleases Mr Gove has written to councils.

“Older people or those who do not have smart phones may stop coming into town or to the seafront.

“I also worry about people who cannot afford a pricey phone with all these apps and the internet.

"As far as I can see paying by cash still works so I don't see why we need to change anything."

It comes after Mr Gove insisted council’s have a responsibility to “not discriminate in their decision-making against older people or those with vulnerabilities.”

He wrote: “I am therefore concerned that local authorities should ensure that there are alternative provisions for parking payments available so that no part of society is digitally excluded.”

Peter Grubb, owner of Uncle Toms Cabin in Shoebury, said: “For about 10 years I’ve campaigned against this.

“I think it’s a problem for everyone, not just the elderly. Traditonally drivers keep up to £10 in cash in their car to pay for parking.

“Using card taking longer and paying by cash is simpler and keeps cash flowing for everyone.

“I think by writing to council’s Mr Gove is championing the people.”

Steven Wakefield, Independent councillor for responsible for highways, transport and parking, said: “The use of cash will slowly decline but we will keep taking cash where can until this time.

“Through the Covid pandemic more people started to use card instead and got used to it. Cash will be phased out over a period of time and more people will use card to make payments.

“It’s going to be a natural progression but will probably be years away.”