We have advocated for some time the use of technology to make paying for car parking in the city as easy as possible.

One result was the introduction of payments by mobile phone and subsequently by text.

We hoped to see the introduction of “Touch in, Touch out” systems using the new enabled bank charge cards but is seems that there may be an intermediate step before this becomes possible.

Enter mobile wireless technology which was launched last week in Tunbridge Wells.

Users swipe their Smartphone and enter a 3 digit code. Like payment by phone, there is no ticket issued. The registration numbers of vehicles, whose owners have paid using the system, are displayed on a hand held device by each parking warden.

The system does away with the barrier operated exit arrangements which are so costly to install and maintain at “pay on exit” car parks. Users are automatically offered the opportunity to extend their stay to avoid incurring a parking fine.

The new system can be used with any “near field communication” enabled smart phone. Users have to first download an “app” into their phone.

It is expected that the option will expand to include York before the end of the year.

More here: http://tinyurl.com/pay-by-phone