Tenders will now be invited from companies to provide suitable systems that will allow motorists to pay parking fees with mobile ‘phones or other suitable electronic devices.
It is hoped the new systems could be in place by the end of the year making Richmond upon Thames one of the first boroughs in London to employ the new technology. Commenting on the decision Cllr Mark Krelling, cabinet member for Traffic, Transport and Parking on Richmond Council said: “This is an exciting decision that promises to put us in the vanguard of authorities who use technology in this way to make the life of the motorist easier while at the same time making the council more efficient.
“We do not know yet what system we will use but it will need to satisfy certain criteria including being user friendly, financially viable and integrating with our existing parking control systems.
“We are watching closely the experience of other boroughs and will consider carefully the tenders we receive in order to get the best value and most convenient system for our residents and visitors.”
Payment for parking charges by mobile phone is currently possible in a small area in Wandsworth and also in Tower Hamlets (Different systems operate in each borough) Electronic parking permits are being introduced in Hammersmith and Fulham and shortly will be in use in Camden.. The systems also operate in numerous European cities.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 13.06.2005
