Cashless parking in Cambridge

Motorists parking their cars in Cambridge no longer have to hunt for the right cash thanks to the introduction of cashless car parking. Working together Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council have teamed up to introduce the RingGo cashless mobile phone parking payment service from 1 July.

Now, customers can pay for parking by credit or debit card over the phone, rather than with cash at a payment machine.

Anyone who has an iPhone, Android Blackberry 10, Windows or Firefox smartphone can download the RingGo app while those who don’t have a smartphone can call the standard rate telephone number which is shown on signs on the payment machines, at the time they want to park.

Payments can also be made by text message or online at www.myRingGo.co.uk where there is more information about how the scheme works.

Customers using the service for the first time will be asked for information about their vehicle, the five digit location code shown on the signs which identify the car park that they are in and details of their payment card.

Once registered, RingGo will recognise a customer’s mobile phone number and will retrieve the information they have previously supplied, making the payment simple and speedy. Customers can also save time by pre-registering in advance either through the app or at www.myRingGo.co.uk

Each time a customer uses RingGo they pay a small convenience fee of 10p.

Optional RingGo text reminders are also available to notify customers ten minutes before their parking time is due to run out. This leaves time to either extend the time, subject to the maximum stay, so as not to cut short a shopping trip, meal out or over running appointment.

The new payment service is available for on-street parking and in pay and display car parks.

Cllr Kevin Blencowe, Cambridge City Council’s Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport, said: “We are all aware of the frustration people have when parking their car only to find that they do not have the correct change for the machine.

“Cashless parking is a very important benefit in the age of the mobile and smartphone. With this new service drivers won’t need to carry change or visit parking machines making it easier and quicker for people to park up before heading to the shops.

“As well as being convenient, paying with RingGo reduces the risk of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice. You can arrange for a reminder text before your time runs out, or, if the car park lets you stay longer and you’re running late, there’s no need to worry - just top up your parking wherever you are by using the service again.”

Cllr Roger Hickford, Cambridgeshire County Council, Chairman of Highways and Community Infrastructure Committee, said: “It’s vital for the success of local businesses and communities to make sure Cambridge is easy to access and attractive for people to visit. We have been listening to businesses and the public as well as looking at other councils using these facilities. The feedback we have received is that this new service is needed and beneficial in helping people to make their visits easier and more convenient.”

Civil Enforcement Officers check which vehicles have paid using new internet connected smart phone handheld devices recently introduced successfully to the city.