Richmond Council has been urged to upgrade its parking payment machines which don't accept Apple Pay or Google Pay as soon as possible to avoid missing out on more cash.

Resident Philip Moshi claimed parking attendants have been forced to let drivers out of council-owned car parks for free as most parking payment machines at these sites are currently unable to accept certain types of debit or credit cards, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Mr Moshi, campaign co-ordinator at Twickenham Labour Party, raised the issue at a council meeting on March 5. 

Lib Dem Cllr Alexander Ehmann, chair of the transport committee, said the authority is upgrading several of its parking payment machines with new technology to address the issue, with works at car parks including Arragon Road and Paradise Road well underway.

He revealed the new technology is planned to be operating at Arragon Road Car Park in the week beginning March 18.

Mr Moshi said: "The majority of machines in the borough's car parks are unable to accept 16 of the most popular debit or credit cards, Google Pay or Apple Pay, and haven't done so, particularly as regards Arragon Road and Paradise Road, for the last 18 months. 

"This leaves car parking attendants having to let drivers who are both willing and able to pay out for free.

"Will you kindly ensure that these machines are upgraded as soon as possible so the borough doesn't lose out on any more cash?"

Cllr Ehmann apologised for the delay in carrying out the upgrades.

He said he has been pushing for the works to be completed, but they have been "incredibly complicated and difficult schemes to get implemented" due to the limits of existing technology and connectivity.

He added the council had to "find very creative ways" to support the new technology, and that overall collection rates for its parking services remain "highly efficient".

Cllr Ehmann continued: "Now the end is thankfully in sight and I look forward to our residents being able to pay via a range of measures, although it should be noted that cash has always been available."