COUNCILLOR PROPOSES MOVE INTO 21ST CENTURY WITH 'PAY-BY-PHONE' OPTION FOR CAR PARKS

2.14.19pm GMT Thu 9th Nov 2006

Liberal Democrat Councillor Colin Charlwood has asked Council Officers to investigate ways of including a 'pay-by-phone' system in Torbay Council's car parks.

Cllr Charlwood put forward his suggestion after receiving information from Bournemouth Borough Council - a Liberal Democrat controlled Council. Bournemouth has introduced a mobile phone cashless parking payment option for all its car parks. Signs in their car parks advise motorists to ring a local number and pay for a ticket over the phone.

Councillor Charlwood said:

"This 'pay-by-phone' scheme is an excellent idea that will help bring Torbay Council into 21st Century working practices. This scheme will avoid the need for motorists to have change and cut down queues at the ticket machines. I have asked officers in the Environment Department to look at the scheme that Bournemouth Council operates. I understand that a similar system at Torquay Railway Station is currently being operated and I am sure one of the systems can be adapted for use in Torbay Council's car parks."