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One system to text meters across London
Katharine Barney, Evening Standard19 Feb 2009
A single system could be set up in London for drivers to pay for their parking by mobile phone.
Ten boroughs have such schemes but motorists need to register with each one and call charges vary, so London Councils is developing plans to set up one system serving the whole of the capital.
Drivers would register their vehicle and payment details once for use across in London. They would pay by calling or texting a local rate number and quoting a code given to each parking space.
The body which oversees all London's local authorities is looking at how to set up the system and how pricing would work.
The chairman of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Mike Fisher, said: "We want to make it quicker and easier for drivers to pay for parking.
"Rather than searching for the right change to put in the machine, motorists can simply call in or text their location and pay by credit or debit card.
"A single system means motorists would only need to register their details once rather than each time they park in a different area.
"We are looking at how to bring the various call charges into line with a single local rate number."
Reader views (14)
There should be a payment card like an Oyster card. It should be London-wide (or even nationwide) and be topped up like "pay as you go" Oyster - in shops or by setting up auto-top up. Better still, use the Oyster card itself. A single card to pay for parking and public transport. Parking meters and "pay and display" machines could be updated to read the cards, and cash could be gradually phased out.
- James E., London, 07/07/2009 01:38
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PURE DISCRIMINATION. THIS NEEDS TO STOP NOW!
This form of payment is socially exclusive, towards people without mobile phones or credit/debit cards, or do not want a mobile phone, or cannot get a credit card due to their status. People will start receiving massive parking tickets (PCNs) for parking legally, yet they may need to stop for an emergency and their mobile phone battery died, what do they do? Risk getting a ridiculously priced fine?
This method of payment for parking services also goes against Dept. of Transport - Operational Guidance to Local Authorities: Parking Policy and Enforcement: Traffic Management Act 2004
"It is important that authorities do not introduce a system that inadvertently discriminates against some sections of the population. The system should allow motorists to pay by whatever method is most convenient to them, including: cash; cheques sent by post with out a cheque guarantee card; cheque supported by a cheque guarantee card at a payments centre; Sterling travellers' cheque; and debit or credit card in person, by phone or via internet"
It is also unfair to get people to pre-register with the scheme and store their details on computer systems that are not even in the UK.
- Josef, London, 21/02/2009 11:35
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As a motorcyclist campaigning against Westminster's introduction of Pay by Phone bike charging I'm against the idea. All London boroughs will be able to adopt Westminster's trial system and start charging motorbikes and scooters to pay. 2 wheeled commuting is a solution to congestion and pollution and riders should keep their free parking privileges.
- Chris Webb, London England, 21/02/2009 11:26
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I do not own a mobile phone so what alternative do I have?
- Anon, UK, 20/02/2009 10:16
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The article says local rate number but doesn't say it will be a non-geographic. Hopefully they will see sense and use an 0207/0208/0203 number.
- Lone Gunman, Anywhere but Here, 20/02/2009 09:07
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Why isn't anyone campaigning for the all in one meter - a choice of paying by coins, phone or card? I have seen this in London so it does exists and at least it does not discriminate against those who do not have or wish to use a mobile, or whose phone is out of juice or broken, or do not want to give yet another agency their credit/debit card details! Plus, what about the loss in jobs for traffic wardens, just when our unemployment figures are rising?
If we continue to impose new and restrictive ideas for moving around London such as this and ‘shared space’ road layouts, we will have a huge number of very confused and discontent, possibly injured or otherwise damaged, visitors to the 2012 Olympics.
- H.S. Smith, RBKC, 20/02/2009 00:33
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A) What if you don't own a mobile phone.
B) Why a "local rate no" which cost upwards of 20p per minute on mobiles.
- P I Staker, London, 19/02/2009 15:14
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"... the right to park". That's a new one on me, although perhaps there's something in Blackstone, Coke or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Then again, maybe not.
Seriously, just get a pay as you go for a tenner and leave it in your glove compartment, specifically for the purpose. The system is efficient, ecologically sounder than cash collection, and easy to enforce, meaning less aggression from traffic wardens.
As for the credit card, surely you have a bank account unless you are off the grid like Jason Bourne (in which case you can just hot-wire cars as you need them)? I'm certain the system will permit direct debiting.
- Reg, London, 19/02/2009 15:02
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The system that works in Westminster works really well and is spreading to other boroughs so you don't need to register twice. If other boroughs were to adopt the same system there would be no need to do any more. The Westminster system works with an 0207 number which is included in call allowance bundles and they don't charge any form of fee for using it.
- Alastair Gilchrist, Westminster, 19/02/2009 15:02
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Good idea. The system should allow you to pay for your space when you arrive and send another message when you leave. The longer you stay the more you pay with the cost escalating by the hour. No need for parking tickets as you can't outstay your time.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 19/02/2009 14:05
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I am denied the right to park because (1)I don't use credit cards and (2) I don't have a mobile phone. THis is a clear-cut case of discrimination against such as me. How am I supposed to park without these two items?
- Js, Redbridge, 19/02/2009 13:50
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You can be sure of one thing, any scheme that involves motorists parking in the city is going to cost us more and make it less convenient.
When have the councils ever done anything that helps motorists get from A to B around London
- Mr. S.Port, London, 19/02/2009 12:45
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Local rate numbers are not recognised by any network for inclusive minutes. What you need is a land line number which could be anywhaere.
- Jack.Spratt, Richmond, England, 19/02/2009 12:17
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That is a really great idea. But the first 10-20 minutes should be free, with the cost slowly expontentially rising per each 10 minutes thereafter. More such short stay visitor parking for shops, please, and less exclusive residents' parking. It is truly ridiculous that residents can still monopolise so much public space for just £100 per year.
We want to preserve the character of our areas more than gratify the urge for convenience of those who shop only in supermarkets and travel to their second and third homes.
- Reg, London, 19/02/2009 11:31
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