Thumbs up for new pay by phone registration service (04/04/2008)

Westminster’s new pay by phone parking registration service has been given the thumbs by motorists, according to a new survey.

Rather than registering via an automated system, on average more than 800 first-time customers per day now go through to an operator to record their details and set up the first parking session.

The latest opinion-finding survey comes after Westminster Council listened to motorists' calls to simplify the process.

A massive 94% of users of the pay by phone parking system were quite or very satisfied with the new registration process.

When quizzed on the time it takes to reach a customer service advisor, 87% were either very or quite satisfied with how quickly their call was answered.

Satisfaction amongst these new users is also high with more than 95% saying they would use pay by phone again.

The findings come as Westminster’s on street parking service fully switches over to cashless parking allowing motorists to pay by mobile phone or use a credit card at one of the 320 brand new Chip & PIN Pay & Display machines deployed across the city.

The service has been revolutionary, with Westminster Council being one of the first local authorities to introduce the scheme. Many authorities are now planning to roll it out across their own boroughs.

Among the main benefits of cashless parking are that motorists are able to park on street even when they do not have any change and if using pay by phone, to be able to top up their parking remotely if they are delayed.

Alastair Gilchrist, Westminster Council’s Director of Parking said:

“These findings are very positive and show we are definitely moving in the right direction.

“As with all new services we launch, we have been listening to residents and motorists to make important improvements to the service and we will continue to do so.”

If they prefer, customers can easily register online instead at www.westminster.gov.uk/cashlessparking where they can also see their parking history and get receipts.

Once registered with the pay by phone service, customers are able to park in any of Westminster’s 8,500 paid-for bays by making a simple telephone call or text.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Cashless parking in Westminster.

As of 31 March 2008, over 250,000 motorists have already successfully registered with the pay by phone system.

Instead of having to put money in a meter or pay and display machine, drivers can use their mobile phone and the cost is charged to their credit or debit card.

To register, motorists dial 0870 428 4009.