SOME of Bournemouth's new cashless parking machines aren't working – hours before the first flight of the air festival.

However, visitors must pay via an app or by phone, officials say.

The exact number and location of car parks affected is as yet unknown.

However, Gary Powell, head of highways and transporation at BCP Council, said: “We can confirm that we are currently experiencing SIM card communications issues with the cashless machines in Bournemouth. 

"This affects approximately 90 per cent of our Bournemouth based car parks.

"We are working with our external SIM card communication provider to resolve the issue and we have also sent out officers in order to get the machines back in operation as soon as possible.

"Customers can still pay for their parking session via the easy to use PayByPhone mobile app.

"Alternatively, they can call 01202 217070 and enter the location code listed on the car park signs and ticket machines to pay.

"There is also the option to park in Richmond Gardens or Avenue Road Multi Storey Car Parks where all methods of payment are working, including card and cash options. We apologise for the inconvenience.’’

A car park attendant said it was "a connection issue in which communication with the service provider for the machines has failed".

There are also reports of trouble with major mobile phone networks including O2, compounding the issue.

Bournemouth recently introduced cashless parking machines in the majority of its car parks. The decision was controversial with visitors.

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