The new cash-free and paper-free service is being offered by phone-parking specialists Parkmobile and is aimed at people who make regular trips to Putney in their car. Residents can register for a card online at http://www.parkmobile.com Instead of feeding coins into a pay and display machine motorists will be able to make two very short phone calls on their mobile - one when they arrive at the parking space and the other when they depart.
Cabinet member for regeneration and transport Kathy Tracey says the scheme will be a boon for regular visitors to Putney: "It's got to be worth trying. Not only does it mean you don't need to carry the right coins but you only pay for the time the car is parked.
"You can even get a text message reminder when it's time to move your car. It could mean never having to pay a parking fine again!"
Parkmobile chairman Ruud Veltenaar added: "We are delighted to be launching the UK's first pay-by-phone scheme for on-street parking in Putney. The service is totally secure and has been immensely popular with motorists wherever it is available.
"This is a new and simple way of paying for parking that we are convinced will catch on rapidly throughout the UK. There is no need to predict how long you are going to stay because you tell the system when you have arrived and when you are leaving.
"You only pay for the exact time you have parked and you do not have to worry about rushing back to your car before your payment runs out. You can activate your parking session from the safety and comfort of your car as there is no need to find a pay and display machine and return with a ticket."
Drivers, who need not be Wandsworth residents, can order a special transponder card direct from Parkmobile. The company will then set up a secure payment arrangement.
The Parkmobile card is fixed to the windscreen. This allows parking attendants to check electronically whether a payment has been started.
To activate the charge, drivers simply phone the Parkmobile number and key in a three-digit code corresponding to the section of road where they are parking. The code will be clearly marked on lamp columns and pay and display machines so that the call can be made from the car.
The second call to terminate the stay is even shorter. The combined cost of both calls should be no more than 10p.
The service has been operating successfully in eight European cities. It will be launched initially within the Putney controlled parking zone on February 2, 2004. It could in time be extended to all parts of the borough. Parkmobile plan to launch similar schemes in other parts of London later in the year.
The Parkmobile card will automatically include the 20p per hour discount currently received by people who hold a Wandsworth residents' discount card. The existing pay and display machines will remain in use so drivers will still be able to pay by cash if they wish. The £1 per month fee for the card will be included in the monthly account all registered users will receive from Parkmobile.
Quelle: PublicTechnology, 14.01.2004
