Worlds first contactless credit card parking meter, shown at Retail Solutions

With the London launch of contactless credit and debit cards scheduled for this autumn, the parking industry could be at the forefront.

Visa Europe plans to commence UK public trials of the "payWave" contactless cards in London, where they will be able to be used for low value transactions (under 10). They allow users to pay for goods and service simply by touching the card on a special reader, wthout the need to enter a PIN number.