We have received the following update from Uttlesford District Council:
We would like to clarify the current situation. There are 4 UDC managed off street pay and display car parks in Great Dunmow. All have previously accepted cash and also offer the MiPermit app to which you refer which operates independently of the machines. Owing to numerous acts of vandalism resulting in extensive theft of monies and damages, the Council is operating a three month trial of card/contactless only machines in locations where vandalism has occurred to act as a deterrent for the would be vandals. All our car parks in Great Dunmow have been subject to vandalism in recent months.
Card/contactless only machines have been installed in White Street and Angel Lane car parks so users of these can pay by this method in addition to using the app. Many people have become more familiar with using cards for making payments and indeed, the Council was planning to upgrade the machines to include this feature to meet the demand. Therefore, users do not have to use/download the app or need to have a smartphone to pay for these car parks as a debit/credit card will suffice.
Chequers Lane and New Street car parks are currently free of charge awaiting the installation of card/contactless only machines which we anticipate will be within the next couple of weeks.
Thank you for your comments which will be included in our review of the three month trial.