MORE than 2,700 people have signed a petition protesting against the reintroduction of car parking charges in Crewe.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan says elderly residents have been left baffled by a new automated payment system after the parking machines were unbagged with some left relying on the generosity of passers-by to pay their fees.

The MP says he has cross-party support for the campaign aimed at forcing Cheshire East Council to reconsider charging motorists to park in town centres that are tentatively re-emerging from lockdown.

Parking fees were back across the borough last Monday after a near three-month suspension aimed at supporting NHS staff and controlling the spread of the virus. Cheshire East says measures are needed to keep streets safe for the public and local businesses and charging again will encourage a good turnaround of spaces and support economic recovery.

But the MP says car parks have been left three-quarters empty in Crewe - whereas Sandbach where parking has always been free - has a much higher occupancy rate.

"People are out of the habit of shopping which is making it hard for our businesses in Crewe to compete. You look at Stoke-on-Trent and there they are offering a few weeks of free parking. I am asking for a little bit of breathing room to help businesses as they get started up again," said the MP.

"It saddens me to hear stories of elderly residents who are used to using cash to pay while car parks are running at no more than 25 per cent capacity.

"People are signing the petition every day - I've got support from all political parties."

Cheshire East has closed off Lyceum Square car park in Crewe as part of its measures to adapt town centres to the "new normal" and signs encouraging contactless payments have been installed as most car parks will not take cash payments.

Motorists are being asked to use Ringo, an online smartphone app to avoid any contact with machines. Alternatively, they can use a covered pen or gloves to input their licence plate number and then use the contactless payment option. The council is also encouraging motorists to buy contract permits where they are available.

But Mr Mullan added: "The council has said charging is vital for income and help maintain social distancing, but that argument doesn't hold up as Sandbach doesn't have charges. We need to do all we can to support the retail sector at this time."

Portfolio holder for parking at Cheshire East Council, Councillor Laura Crane, has said: "Protecting our business economy and keeping people safe as lockdown restrictions are lifted are priorities for us and these parking measures will be reviewed where necessary."

The petition against the parking charges is here

Motorists can register for RingGo as they park or beforehand by downloading the RingGo apps or by calling 020 3046 0010.