Good to see the Isle of Wight council catch up with others, a parking payment by phone facility can prove very useful. This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
From 9 January motorists will be able to use their mobile phones to pay to park in all the Isle of Wight Council’s car parks and on-street bays.
The service will give people an alternative to having to find the right change to put in a pay and display machine.
Under the additional option, motorists will be able to call PayByPhone (the company operating the service) and have their parking payment charged to their credit or debit card.
Top up fee remotely
The new service will also give motorists the chance to top up their parking fee without having to return to their vehicle.
The first time someone uses the new service they will need to log their vehicle registration number with PayByPhone – which can be done by calling a local number, by sending a text, or by downloading the PayByPhone app or visit the firm’s website.
20p convenience fee
The payment by phone will comprise the parking charge and a 20p convenience fee. The council will be reimbursed by PayByPhone with the parking payment – and the operator will retain the convenience fee. A similar service is operated by other councils.
All details on the new service, together with instructions, will be posted on the existing pay and display machines when the service is launched on the Island in January.
Existing machines remain the same
The existing pay and display service will remain as before. All payments carried out using the PayByPhone service immediately appear on the parking enforcement officers’ handheld computers.
For more information on the new service contact the council’s parking services on 821000, or visit www.paybyphone.co.uk
