Westminster cashless parking scheme reaches 200,000th customer (12/02/2008)

Westminster City Council’s cashless parking scheme has reached its latest milestone after figures showed more than 200,000 motorists signed up to the new system.

In the last three months, an average of 1,200 drivers every week have registered with the cashless initiative either online or at the roadside.

Cashless parking gives motorists a coin-free way of paying and they are also able to top-up their parking allowance on the move without returning to their vehicles, helping them avoid unnecessary fines.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Transport, Cllr Danny Chalkley, said:

“This latest milestone shows the success of the scheme and its increasing popularity.

“The move to a high-tech, quick and safe cashless system is the way forward for street parking.

“Cashless parking eliminates the need to scramble around for loose change or having to rush back to the car to top up the meter making life easier for motorists in central London.”

Last month Westminster Council recorded the millionth cashless parking transaction and the scheme was extended to other parts of the city including Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Pimlico.

Meters and Pay and Display machines will continue to stay in use in these new areas with the cashless system being temporarily offered as an additional service.

The council aims to no longer accept coins on street anywhere in Westminster by December 2008. Pay by Phone parking is part of Westminster's cashless parking scheme which also includes Chip and Pin pay and display machines

Cashless parking is already available in Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair, St James, Marylebone, Bayswater, Fitzrovia, and the area around Harrow Road.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

As of January 31 207,243 motorists registered with cashless parking.

Instead of having to put money in a meter or a Pay and Display machine, under the cashless parking scheme drivers use their mobile phone and the parking charge is charged to their credit or debit card.

In December last year a survey of 11,000 cashless parking customers was carried out and figures showed approximately two thirds of customers were satisfied with the service and found it easy to use.