Gilchrist engaged by phone parking idea

This article outlines the new cashless payment system for on-street parking in the area of Westminster, London, UK, with views from parking manager Alistair Gilchrist. Users register to use the service by a phone call or on the council's website. To use the system the motorist calls a dedicated phone line and enters a location number, length of time required and need for a reminder text message of time remaining. Parking fees will be charged to the user's credit or debit card. Benefits to the user include convenience, safety and security. A customer survey indicated ready acceptance of the concept. For the parking authority, mobile phone parking offers cost benefits, reducing the expense of the operation as a whole. Enforcement of parking regulations could be undertaken by text verification and notification, and parking attendants should face fewer frustrated customers.