Pay on the spot for Old Trafford match day parking

Football fans and other visitors will now be able to pay on the spot with a credit or debit card using a pay-by-phone service provided by RingGo. When a motorist has parked up, all they need to do is call 0161 634 0340 on their mobile phone and follow the instructions to pay for parking over the phone. No ticket is required as parking attendants can check which vehicles are parked via internet-connected handheld units. More detailed information can be found on the Council's website at www.trafford.gov.uk/parking

The cost of parking will be 3 per match, which marks a reduction from the old permit parking scheme that worked out at around 5.

On non-match days the area will still be free of charge for parking with signs erected to notify users of the area when the next match is to take place.

If you're not sure if it's a match day, you can contact the council on 0161 912 4433/5860 or call RingGo and the service will let you know you whether or not you need to pay.

Executive Councillor Alan Mitchell said: "This is an easy-to-use, cost effective scheme that helps to alleviate the problems associated with match day parking - and will save people money too.

Alex Walker, Project Manager for RingGo said: "The situation in Trafford is one where phone parking is the obvious solution. This implementation shows RingGo and Trafford Council delivering a premiership-winning formula."

About Cobalt Telephone Technologies

Cobalt is a UK based transaction-solution specialist. The company is focussed on streamlining high-volume, real-time operational processes and works almost exclusively in support of the transport industry. Results are achieved through the innovative use of automated telephone and web technologies, supplied on a hosted basis.

Cobalt's UK customers include most major car park operators and enforcement companies including APCOA, NCP, NCP Services and Vinci, and a number of airlines including four of the UK's largest charter carriers.

Cobalt is active in the public sector too and already provides hosted services to the parking departments of nearly 50 local authorities.

About RingGo

RingGo is a new way of paying for your parking rolling out across the UK. You'll find it offered in towns, cities and railway stations. It lets anyone charge their parking to a credit or debit card by making a short telephone call - no more sticky tickets.

The benefits are clear - RingGo users don't need to hunt for change; Business users don't have to keep scraps of paper. VAT receipts for expense claims are available online whenever you need them. What's more, if you're delayed or running late, you can simply call back and extend your stay.

Parking fees are calculated centrally and accurate tariff modelling means RingGo customers only pay exactly what they owe.