Cashless car parking is coming - but it will cost you

Cllr Ian Hollidge launches the new cashless car parking scheme in Rother SUS-151125-155952001

Rother District Council has enlisted the help of RingGo, a mobile phone service, to introduce a new way of paying to use car parks around the district.

Although motorists will still be able to pay with cash, there will be an option of paying with a credit or debit card using a smartphone app, text message or by making a call.

However this new service comes at a price - RingGo charges 20p for each use.

This means Rother District Council will receive 100 per cent of the parking charge.

Cllr Ian Hollidge, portfolio holder for environment, transport and public realm at Rother District Council, said: “Arriving at a car park to find that you do not have the correct change for the machine can be extremely frustrating.

“Cashless parking offers a simple alternative for motorists using the district council’s car parks.”

As well as paying to park, users of the RingGo system can take advantage of an optional text reminder service - costing an additional 10p - and will be able extend their parking time without returning to their car by using the mobile service again.

Those paying in the new way will not receive a ticket as payment can be checked using a handheld device.

Car park users will still have the option to use the pay and display machines.

Cllr Hollidge said: “Motorists will still be able to use the traditional pay and display machines. But cashless parking gives people an alternative should they find themselves without change for the machine.”

To access the scheme, drivers must complete a one-off registration with RingGo. They can then use the service anywhere in the country.

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