From today, motorists in Kingston upon Thames can pay for their parking using the innovative phone service, RingGo, rather than having to hunt for coins.
Hourly rates of £1.60 and more, in Kingston town centre mean shoppers need substantial amounts of change if they're visiting the local shops or the Eden Walk Shopping Centre. Now, people parking at the old Post Office site in Ashdown Road have the option of paying using their mobile phone and a credit or debit card instead. The new system is being operated by a partnership between Town and City Parking and Cobalt Telephone Technologies the company behind RingGo.
To use the service, motorists simply call the RingGo number shown, register their vehicle and payment card details, and pay for their parking over the phone. First time users can follow the instructions provided on signs around the car park.
Bernie Dickson, Managing Director for Town and City Parking, which manages the Ashdown Road car park says, "Motorists like flexibility and choice when they're paying for their parking, so pay by phone services - which offer an alternative to cash meets a real need."
"Of course some people prefer to use coins and they'll still be able to do this. But many visitors like to pay by credit or debit card, and appreciate the fact they can subsequently top up their parking fee if they need to without returning to their car."
This top-up facility is popular with RingGo users elsewhere, according to Anne Snelson, Marketing Manager with RingGo. "People come shopping to Kingston from all over Surrey and it's easy to lose track of time. Now, if you're running a bit late, you don't have to decide whether to dash back to the car or risk a fine. RingGo shoppers can use the 21st Century option instead - simply call up and extend your stay," she says.
"Shoppers may be wondering when RingGo pay by phone parking will extend to all car parks in the area," says Snelson. "While there aren't any current plans for Council-operated car parks, this first implementation in the town will no doubt be closely watched and public demand could lead to many more."
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