Thousands of people drive and park vehicles in Liverpool every day
Council pay and display machine(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Liverpool City Council has shared a warning over potential scams across the city centre. On X, the local authority reminded followers that they never use QR codes on parking meters.
The post uploaded to X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “If you see a QR code like this on a parking meter – DO NOT SCAN IT! This is a scam! Some codes have been placed on our meters and we are working hard to remove them. We NEVER use QR codes on our machines – Only download apps from an app store or provider website.”
Drivers pay to park in all on-street bays and most council car parks by using mobile phones. You do not need to display a ticket as council officers get the details of your payment straight to their handheld devices.
On Liverpool.gov.uk, further advice states: “You must download your preferred app using the link to the provider’s official website or from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
“None of our providers use QR codes, so if you see one on a pay and display machine or nearby, do not scan the link or share your personal information. These fake codes are not part of the official signs and are normally stuck on separately.”
There are some streets in Liverpool where you can use an app to pay with your phone. Instructions are also on the Pay and Display machines. You can still use cash, card or contactless payments at the machines. The full list of streets you can pay via an app can be found here.
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In July, the council extended its parking charges. This means drivers now have to pay up until 11pm if they want to bring their car into the city centre and park it.
Signage and parking meters have been updated across the city centre to reflect the changes to the controlled parking zone (CPZ). Changes were first suggested around 2018.
Other types of parking bays, such as loading and limited waiting bays, have also be amended to become pay and display, residents or disabled bays, or single yellow lines in the evenings.
Parking bays can now be used across the city centre any time of day but must be paid for between 7am and 11pm daily. Under a scheme adopted last year, 30 minutes of parking in the city centre has gone up from £1.20 to £2, while an hour will now cost £4, up from £2.40.
Liverpool City Council’s warning comes after Sefton Council shared a similar warning about scams where vehicles are concerned. Scam texts targeting motorists are on the rise with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) urging drivers to be more alert.
Cybercriminals are increasingly using this technique to trick individuals into sharing personal information or clicking malicious links. DVLA revealed almost 20,000 customers called their contact centre to report fraudulent activity.
In May, the driving agency said “it has never been more important for motorists to be vigilant and aware” of how to recognise fraudulent emails, texts, websites and calls.
The council said car users are being targeted by text requesting fees for unpaid parking fines and even linking to a ‘copycat’ website styled on the gov.uk secure web portal.