The introduction of cashless-only payment at a town centre multi-storey car park has seen some drivers vow never to use it again.

As of last week, anyone using the Thamesgate Shopping Centre in Gravesend has to pre-book a space or book it on arrival.

The new system has prompted mixed reviews from motorists, some saying they won't use it and others feeling it could even deter people coming to the town.

An employee at the shopping centre, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's early days. Some were OK with it, others, particularly the elderly, struggled."

Your Parking Space has now taken over the operation of the multi-storey in New Road.

Charges at the 24-hour car park remain the same – £1 for the first hour and then £2.20 an hour after that.

Anyone parking there is now being encouraged to use a YourParkingSpace app, although card payments can be made at kiosks in the shopping centre.

Pensioner Tony Mack was among those who prefers to pay in cash and therefore will not be using it.

The Longfield man, who is in his 80s, said: "I'm a great fan of choice.

"With so many shops closing and it being difficult enough to find somewhere to park in Gravesend any way, this is just making it worse.

"We need to be making town centres more accessible and not just encourage people to go to out-of-town places.

"You might as well say forget Gravesend and go to Bluewater where the parking is free."

'Not everyone has smartphones especially elderly people. I'll do my shopping elsewhere...'

Tina Precious said: "Another one I won't be using from now on then. I stopped using St George's ages ago and I'm certainly not going to be using this one anymore. Why fix something if it ain't broke?

"Not everyone has smartphones especially elderly people. I'll do my shopping elsewhere."

Helen Webb added: "At first glance it's so unfair on those who choose not to have all this 'online' thing.

"But there will be a machine/kiosk to pay onsite but this won't take cash only card. So you can do it by app OR at the machine but you'll need to use your card, which I'm sure most of us do have."

While coins and cash cannot be used to pay for parking, other methods include paying by mobile or using an "express payment" QR code.

In May, the centre was bought by investors with plans to improve "the prime pedestrianised pitch".

Private investment manager, Signal Capital, purchased the 18-store outlet, which includes Wilko, Superdrug and Specsavers.

Thamesgate Shopping Centre was formerly called the Anglesea Shopping Centre and was built in 1975.

Private property developer, Edinburgh House, bought it in 2001 and gave it a £300,000 makeover and its new name in 2003.