Cashless 'pay by phone' machines approved for Elgin car parks

Councillors have today agreed to install the cashless facility as they reintroduce car parking charges. Later in autumn, motorists will be able to pay for their parking using their smart phone or device, in a contactless transaction which doesn’t require the printing of a parking ticket. Reminders can be issued to drivers that their ticket is about to expire, and time can be extended without revisiting the car park or the vehicle.

It will provide a touch-free option for residents and visitors to pay for parking, and follows Scottish Government guidance for contactless payments to be used where possible to reduce cash handling. Half of the Scottish local authorities which currently charge for parking have a cashless system in place, including neighbouring Highland and Aberdeenshire. Cash will still be accepted at these machines if motorists prefer this option.

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Growth, Housing & Environmental Sustainability Committee, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, said: “The introduction of cashless parking using pay by phone and paying via phone apps is a great initiative. This technology has been successful in other areas and with fewer and fewer people carrying cash this ensures that we can provide payment arrangements that don’t leave people hunting for coins.

“I have personally used parking apps in other areas including Aberdeen and Edinburgh and the apps and telephone payment options are quick and easy to use.”