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The frustration of having no change to pay for parking or being penalised for running late could be a thing of the past in Suffolk Coastal, with people now able to pay for parking by credit or debit card using their mobile phones.

The RingGo scheme is being piloted in Woodbridge’s town centre car parks alongside pay and display, and if it is well received it could be rolled out in other Council car parks in the district.

“RingGo is already being used very successfully by thousands of people across the country, and Suffolk Coastal is keen to pilot the system, which will give our car park users a wider range of payment options and the ability to top up their ticket over the phone if they are running late,” said Cllr Andy Smith, Cabinet Member responsible for car parking.

“Any drivers visiting Woodbridge’s town centre car parks can now use it, alongside the pay and display system. Over the next three to four months we will be monitoring how many people use the new service and taking into account any feedback we receive in order to decide whether it could be used in other Council car parks,” added Cllr Smith.

People can register for the scheme in advance or wait until they are parked. Customers calling 01394 642645 will be asked to provide information about their car and their card details, along with the length of time they want to stay and the four-digit code number of their chosen car park.

After registering, the process will be quicker as the system will recognise registered phone numbers automatically. In addition, once registered, people can use any RingGo car park in the UK.

Customers can also register their details in advance on the RingGo website, at www.myringgo.com/register, where they can manage their account, view their payment history and request VAT receipts online.

“People do not need to worry about the security of their credit card details as those are stored securely on RingGo’s secure computer system, and certainly not on users’ mobile phones,” added Cllr Smith.

Using RingGo costs 20 pence on top of the normal car park charge and any call cost, and if customers opt for a text alert to confirm the parking session has been booked or to warn them if their time is running out, each costs an extra 10 pence. The money will be debited from their credit or debit card and will appear on their statements.

“Our car parks are already excellent value for money, and with this extra service they could be even more convenient for our residents and people visiting the district. I look forward to seeing RingGo in action in Woodbridge, and I would urge car park users to try it on for size and discover the benefits of the service for themselves,” added Cllr Smith.

Residents who would like to make comments on the system can email car.parking@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or send them to Car Parks, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 1AU.
For more information, visit www.ringgo.co.uk