How to pay your Parking charges by Phone!
- 9 June 2009 15:4723089DDC Information ********************
PAY BY PHONE PARKING IN DOVER DISTRICT
An innovative new system, which allows motorists to pay for parking with their mobile phones using their debit or credit cards, is launched in Dover District Council car parks this week. The scheme - which is the first operated by a Local Authority in Kent - goes live on Thursday (11 June).
Working in partnership with RingGo, the Council will be offering the service in most of its car parks across the district. Once registered with RingGo, motorists will be able to ring a local number (01304 892895) to pay for parking over the phone.
First time users will need to give details of their vehicle, where they are parked, how long they want to park for, and their full card details. The next time you call, RingGo remembers the mobile number and will ask you to confirm your vehicle details and your location, and how long you want to park for, and will ask for your card security code. You can register on-line at www.MyRingGo.co.uk or during your first call. Using the service costs a flat-rate of 20p, (which is not retained by the Council), in addition to the normal parking fee.
Cllr Nigel Collor, Cabinet Member for Access and Property Management, said: "We are very pleased to be launching this new scheme, which is the first of its kind in Kent. The scheme offers visitors and residents a quicker and more convenient way to pay for parking in Council car parks, without having to hunt around for loose change, and allows people to extend their stay with a simple phone call, without going back to the car park."
For more details, please log onto www.dover.gov.uk/parking - or to access the new RingGo system and pay for parking on your mobile, please call 01304 892895.
- ends -email: dover7@msn.com - 9 June 2009 15:4923090Sounds a good scheme
are there any down sides to it? - 9 June 2009 15:5923093There doesnt seem to be a downside...not that anyone would tell you..lol!!
But no seriously it seems a good idea...you can phone in from the pub or the restaurant when you know you are going to be delayed. This might please ColetteB who tends to pay way too much and then doesnt use the time, goes somewhere else and then has to repay. But essentially now you dont need to overpay so very good if you want to extend your stay in your establishment of choice..but of course not in the pub as you shouldnt drink and drive.
email: dover7@msn.com - 9 June 2009 16:0823094paulb
I thought you was going to say it will be good for collett as shes always in the pub lol - 9 June 2009 16:1123095You want to park at Stembrook for 1/2 hour to do a quick shop which costs 50p. You are then paying a 40% premium (plus probably a charge for a mobile phone call) for doing so.
The problem comes when they then decide to get rid of the machines to save cash immense handling charges.....
Been nice knowing you :) - 9 June 2009 16:1323096ummm can see a few doubts appearing now
thanks for that Paul
hope its all been thought out - 9 June 2009 16:3923099Transferring costs to the consumer is a favourite local authority trick and usually comes smothered in delicious subterfuge-sauce to take the attention and taste away..............
- 10 June 2009 07:1923134It does sound a good system and one that will appeal to many people and will be very convenient, but just a small question:
When you've bought your ticket for an hour's parking (or two) and you meet a friend and go for a coffee, then ten minutes before you need to be back at the car, you phone Ringo and he says that's O.K. how does the parking-attendant know you've called Ringo and not to issue a ticket that you then have to fight to get rescinded ?
Roger - 10 June 2009 07:2623135your the 1 in the know roger ask your mate
sure it was discussed in your party meetings? or was roger frayne right?
I think the sceme is good for some, will have teething problems, will be interesting to see the take up - 10 June 2009 07:3123136Roger thats a good point. I can guess that maybe the parking attendants will all have those little computer thingys and that will be able to fill them in on the latest info with regard to your car. I am assuming thats how it will work. Very hi tec.
But Im just guessing here, but thats got to be the way.email: dover7@msn.com - 10 June 2009 07:4823142yes im sure they will have them thingy's as paulb says
otherwise it will be a nightmare - 10 June 2009 13:5423182The technology exists. It just needs the parking attendants and wardens to be educated.
The only downside I can see at first glance is the additional 20p or whatever for the phone call. For a short stay that's quite a chunk but for a couple of hours stay, along with the convenience of being able to extend the stay, if doesn't seem particularly unreasonable.
Text messaging would be cheaper I feel and possibly allow for a text warning message to be sent say 15 minutes before your time was up.
Something else has just sprung to mind - it does smack a bit of Big Brother.Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!