MOTORISTS have hit out at new parking machines in Bridport after people were forced to join long queues to buy a ticket.

Visitors faced queues in the Rope Walks car park on Saturday, caused by motorists being required to enter registration details.

John Bicknell said it is unlikely he will visit the town centre again if the problems continue.

"The very slow moving queue stayed like this for the hour I was there" he said.

"It seemed clear that the main culprit for the hold up was the tight-fisted measure of having to enter your car registration, which turned what once was a simple and quick operation into a frustrating and slow one.

"I won't be visiting the town again to shop if it means standing in a queue for more than 20 minutes to buy a car park ticket."

The Bridport Business Chamber are also concerned and were under the impression number plate recognition cameras was due to be introduced, making parking quicker and easier.

Chamber president Richard Smith, said: "The chamber is aware of the challenges facing visitors with recent changes to parking meters throughout the car parks in Bridport and West Bay.

"While in theory as a chamber we supported the changes, unfortunately the changes haven't been as expected and initially promised to us.

"The last thing we want is for visitors to be faced with other disappointments."

West Dorset District Council say the new machines will be upgraded to make it easier to pay and have asked residents for their co-operation.

Cllr Alan Thacker, vice-chairman of West Dorset District Council’s Executive Committee said: “Our new parking machines replace old, unreliable ones and will in time be upgraded to take card and contactless payments when security protocols are finalised. This is part of an ongoing process to update our car parks and improve convenience for local residents and visitors.

“I am pleased to say that the council is also going to be introducing pay by phone to all its car parks in Bridport.

“We understand that having to type in your registration details is a new system, but ask residents and visitors for their cooperation as these more sophisticated machines will enable west Dorset to develop robust parking strategies. We will, however, continue to monitor the use of these machines and take any concerns forward for further discussion.”