I am confused. Parking in Sainsburys is free. You input two letter of your reg and get a ticket. If the machine doesnt work you go to the other one. If that is out of order you dont pay.

Walking to the other machine (unless you are disabled (and you would then have a permit)) is hardly strenuous.

You dont need to pay by phone as this discriminates or excludes people who do not have one.

If you get a ticket then go online and fight it. Aggravating yes, but hardly difficult.

Carry on moaning about it and I am sure the council will say s*d it, and start charging so bye bye free parking (and yes, I know they had an agreement to give free parking but I am pretty sure that was only for a limited time).