West Berkshire (UK) car parks are now compatible for Mobile Phone Payments

Keith Chopping, West Berkshire's Councillor for Transportation said, "This system is a huge breakthrough that will provide customers with a convenient cashless option to pay for their parking."

The one-call registration will cover customers for all participating car parks in West Berkshire. Once registered, customers will be able to use their mobile phone as an alternative to cash by following the user instructions posted on the pay & display machines. Each machine will greet the mobile user with a personal message on the screen and allow the user to choose the parking time they wish by pushing a yellow '+' or '-' button.

Under the new system, customers will also have the option to receive a text message alerting them that they have just 10 minutes left before their parking time expires.

Martyn Baker, Car Park Manager at West Berkshire Council said, "We are always looking for ways to improve our customer service and feel sure that this easy to use payment method will prove to be a popular option. It is extremely easy to use and cuts out the need to be carrying the correct change."

Ken Lythgoe from Alphyra mpayments added, "The mPARK™ mobile payment system has now become a recognised global standard in cashless parking and we're delighted that West Berkshire is committed to providing this option and providing increased levels of customer service to a mobile population across the region."

To register and pay on your credit card call (0870) 730 1230 or go online at the mpark website (https://www.mpark.com).

Participating car parks in Newbury:

Bear Lane, Central (by Library) Coach Park, Eight Bells, Newbury Football Club, Jack Street, Market Place, Market Street, Northbrook Place, Northcroft Lane, Northcroft Lane West, Parkway, Pelican Lane, West Street and the Wharf.
Across West Berkshire: Hungerford Church Street, Hungerford High Street, Station Road Hungerford, River Meadow Pangbourne, Kingsland Centre Thatcham, Theale West and Theale Main.

About mPARK

mPARK is an innovative yet easy to use service that allows you to pay for parking using your mobile phone. Parking charges can be billed to your Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card. We soon expect to be able to offer other payment methods such as billing directly to your mobile phone bill.

Motorists are required to pre-register to use mPARK, thereafter their mobile phone number is recognised when they call the main service number. The cost of the parking transaction is logged against the mobile phone so there is no need to carry a supply of coins for parking.

Users can also opt to have an SMS text message sent to them 10 minutes before expiry time of their voucher in order that they can return to their vehicle in good time and avoid a Penalty Charge Notice.