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Older people are having difficulties getting out and about over the Christmas period due to digital car parking payments, Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner has warned.

In a report, commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies said older people have told her they feel frustrated and excluded by the increasing use of digital app-based payment systems for parking.

The report is based on experiences shared by older people, as well as data provided to the commissioner by local authorities, which provides a snapshot of the payment options and systems available in the car parks they run.

The report reveals that while most council-owned car parks in Wales still offer a range of payment options, including cash in many cases, the perception amongst many older people is that this is no longer the case, impacting on their independence, wellbeing, and ability to take part in community life.

In addition, the potential impact on older people of removing cash payment options does not seem to have been fully recognised, the report says, with limited opportunities for older people to make their voices heard.

Ms Bowen-Davies said: “For many older people, particularly those without a smartphone or people with limited digital skills, the increased use of and promotion of these kinds of systems is creating feelings of frustration and exclusion.

“This issue is exacerbated by wider barriers that have made a previously simple activity much more difficult, something that has resulted in many older people relying on others for support or simply giving up.”

She continued: “Given that around a third of people aged 75-plus do not have access to the internet, and that a third of over 65s do not use a smartphone, my findings underscore the need for inclusive solutions that ensure older people are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.”

The commissioner has called on local authorities to address these issues, including “maintaining a range of payment options, and improving communication to promote the availability of non-digital payment options”.

“Alongside this, it’s also crucial that older people have meaningful opportunities to make their voices heard and influence decisions should any changes to local services be considered.

“Ensuring everyone can access services such as car parking is important to enable older people to continue to play a full part in community life and do the things that matter to them.

“This is central to creating age-friendly communities, places where people of all ages can live and age well, supported by inclusive design, accessible services, and strong social networks.”