A new way to pay for parking has been introduced in Dundee to make payment easier and reduce the thousands of pounds in counterfeit coins being used each year.
Although drivers will still be able to park using coins, a new system has been introduced that will let them pay using their mobile phones.
The 18-month pilot scheme, run by Dundee City Council in partnership with RingGo, will operate in 16 street and metered car parks in the city.
Motorists can register their car and credit cards online and then, whenever they enter a car park, simply call up and enter each location’s unique code, which is found on meters in each car park.
Their credit cards are then charged for the time they book in the car park. Wardens carry mobile phones with an app that allows them to check which cars have paid using the mobile phone service. Dundee City Council parking team leader Jimmy Osuwu said the new system will also help reduce the money the council loses through the use of counterfeit coins in parking meters each year.
“About £12,000 a year is counterfeit,” he said. “It’s only when the money goes to the bank and they count it that they notify us.”
Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council city development committee, said, “By offering another option for motorists to pay for their parking we are using the available technology to make life easier for drivers.
“The service provided by RingGo offers the option of paying for parking quickly and easily, without the need to carry around a pocket full of change. The technology is already being used by other local authorities across the country and I am delighted we are able to introduce it here.
“It not only allows payment to be made by phone but you can also choose to get a text when your paid-for parking period is about to run out, and extend your stay as long as it does not go beyond the maximum-length permitted stay.
“Not only does this cut your chances of getting a fixed penalty notice, but gives you the added convenience of not having to return to your car.”
Adam Dolphin, sales manager for RingGo, added, “If you’re in a meeting, shopping in the city centre or taking the kids around Sensation, the last thing you want is to worry about how long you’ve got for your parking.
“RingGo takes away that hassle you don’t have to scrape around for change and you can extend your stay if you need to. It’s also great in the rain or cold as you can pay from the comfort of your car. We’re sure Dundee motorists will take to RingGo, as they have elsewhere around the UK.”
The pilot will be evaluated and a report brought back to committee with details of full costs of deployment.