I understand your cynicism, but most systems like this have a reasonable maximum timeout (usually the maximum time you're allowed to stay in that zone - 2-3 hours) at which point it'll end the session.
While that's far from ideal for a 5 minute stop, it's not the only way to pay (you can also try and guess how long you'll be in the spot and prepay much like meters but to the minute rather than some multiple of the change in your pocket) - and at some point you need to take ownership of your oversight, no?
I’ve parked in places where I’m pretty sure the only option was to start a timer (it’s why I made the comment).
EDIT: yup, RingGo in a city centre in England. Just checked. Only option is to start a timer. And it stops in 5 hours time if not stopped (£5.60 for the first 2 hours then a fixed £3.80 for the time until 10pm)
When the old systems worked just fine, and there is no option to prepay, no, I will not take ownership of my “oversight” - it’s dark patterns designed to prey.
It’s more inconvenient for me yet they charge me a convenience fee (especially if you drive a lot of rentals, registering each car is a PITA).
