A NEW cashless system allowing drivers in Inverclyde to pay for parking with a mobile phone app is being rolled out in council-run car parks.
From Monday 1 September, motorists will be able to use the RingGo app.
Existing ‘pay and display’ machines will remain in operation for those who prefer to pay with cash.
Drivers will also be able to use the app to book their free stay in car parks that have up to three hours free followed by paid-for parking, namely Lower Kempock Street in Gourock and Fore Street and Shore Street in Port Glasgow.
Parking disc and residents’ permit areas will be unaffected and continue as normal.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This is positive step forward to make it easier for people to park in council-run car parks.
“They will be able to pay for parking from the comfort of their car, home, office or wherever is most convenient without having to scramble about for coins and then queue up at a machine, especially if they are in a rush or when it’s wet and windy.
“But we know for many that cash is still king so the ‘pay and display’ machines will remain in operation to ensure we’re providing options for everyone to make parking in Inverclyde as convenient as possible.”
On top of the regular parking fee, there is a 20-pence charge for using the cashless app and there is an optional 10 pence charge to receive an SMS confirmation.
Christopher Head, regional director, UK and Ireland at RingGo, said: “Using a mobile phone to pay for parking is second nature to more than 21 million motorists already registered with RingGo.
“We’re delighted that drivers in Inverclyde can now benefit from quicker and easier parking too. Moving to digitised parking makes absolute sense for Inverclyde Council as this seamless payment solution will support its future strategies.”
The new online system will be available in the following council car parks:
Car parks with free element: Fore Street, Port Glasgow; Shore Street, Port Glasgow; Lower Kempock Street, Gourock
Customers can park as follows: Up to three hours — Free; three-plus hours — £2 flat rate
Applies Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm. Only one three-hour free session per day per town
Other charged car parks (£2 flat rate): Bullring, Greenock; Roslin Street, Greenock; West Stewart Street, Greenock; Hastie Street, Greenock; Station Avenue East, Greenock; Station Avenue West, Greenock; Dalrymple Street, Greenock; Cathcart Street East, Greenock; Station Road North, Gourock; Station Road South, Gourock
