CHANGES to visitors’ parking permits discriminate against older people, say opponents of Wiltshire Council’s new system.

Plans to replace paper permits with digital ones came under fire on Thursday.

The council says the new system, which is already in use for some, is faster, more flexible and saves money. But some users say it has been rushed through with no consultation and is too complicated, especially for older people.

Council officer Joanne Patterson said: “Customers are the most important thing to us. Obviously, there are savings to Wiltshire Council but that wasn’t the primary reason.”

She told critics at Salisbury Area Board that the old, “antiquated” system took far too long and was no longer cost-efficient. Feedback to the new system had been “remarkably positive”. Many disagreed.

Mary McKenzie said: “Many people don’t use computers and don’t rush around using their mobile phones. It’s not an advantage to us and we are concerned about it. There was no discussions and there was no warning.”

Under the new “ticketless” system, traffic wardens have to type each number plate into their handheld computers to see who has a permit, news that left Cllr Ricky Rogers “stunned”.

A new system will soon allow wardens to scan number plates.

Mary Stephens said: “Residents haven’t a clue who’s parking in their streets.

“I have had old people knocking on my door saying ‘I don’t know what to do, please help me’.”

Concerns were raised that the changes isolated older people, making it more difficult for them to have visitors and damaging their health, especially those with dementia.

“Wiltshire Council’s strapline is ‘where everybody matters’,” she said. “I don’t think we are all mattering here.”

Ms Patterson said the meeting had been an "eye opener" and the council would work with those who needed extra help.

"We are happy to listen to any suggestions but obviously the cost efficiencies have got to be there."

Cllr Ian Tomes said the “complicated” system was discriminatory and would cause anxiety.

He suggested running the paper and digital systems alongside one another other.

Cllr Mary Douglas said there should have been a public consultation prior to any decision, while Cllr Brian Dalton said: “Thank God I don’t have it in my area.”