I am a regular user of the Central Bedfordshire Council's car parks. The recent decision to make all car parks cashless worries me deeply as it lacks inclusivity, particularly for pensioners and others who rely heavily on cash as a form of payment. A considerable amount of the UK population still prefer using cash, including nearly 2.2 million people who are entirely dependent on it, according to a report by The Guardian. This move to cashless car parks thus excludes numerous locals, hindering their day-to-day life.

The choice to use cash should continue to be available, especially considering that cash remains the second most frequently used payment method, involving 28% of all payments in the UK as reported by UK Finance. With the inclusion of elderly individuals who often lack the knowledge or access to digital payment methods, maintaining cash payment options in our car parks is not just a matter of choice but a social responsibility.

I feel that Central Bedfordshire Council are not being inclusive to people who use cash . 

People often prefer paying with cash because it provides a tangible sense of control over their finances, allowing them to easily track their spending, avoid overspending, and feel more secure against potential fraud, especially if they are less comfortable with online banking or digital payment systems due to age or lack of tech familiarity; essentially, cash gives them a sense of independence and familiarity with managing their money. 

Key reasons why people like using cash:

Budgeting ease:

Cash allows for simple tracking of expenses, helping people stick to their budget by physically seeing how much money they have left. 

Fear of scams:
Some people are wary of online banking and digital payments, fearing potential fraud or cybercrime, making cash a safer option in their minds. 

Accessibility:
Not everyone has access to reliable internet or smartphones, making cash a convenient option for transactions. 
Comfort and familiarity:
Having used cash for most of their lives, many people find it a comfortable and familiar way to manage their finances. 

Emergency preparedness:
Cash can be readily available in case of power outages or other situations where electronic payments might not work.

Many people still prefer to use cash and Central Bedfordshire Council are excluding those people for their own convenience . 

I kindly invite you to join me in urging the Central Bedfordshire Council to reconsider this decision and reestablish cash payments in their car parks. Your support is essential in ensuring our community remains inclusive to all of its members, irrespective of their preferred mode of payment. Please sign this petition today.