WAVERLEY motorists can once again pay for car parking by phone after a new cashless parking service was rolled out in the borough’s council-owned car parks this week.

The new RingGo mobile phone service, launched on Monday, enables drivers to pay for parking by credit or debit card, rather than with cash at a machine.

Anyone who has an iPhone, an Android, Blackberry 10, Windows or Firefox mobile phone can download and use the RingGo app to register and pay for parking.

Alternatively motorists can call the standard rate telephone number (01483) 342266, shown on the signs at parking machines, at the time they want to park.

But drivers will be charged up to 40 per cent extra for using the service, with each transaction liable to a 19p “convenience fee” plus an optional 10p SMS reminder charge and 10p SMS summary charge.

It comes after the previous cashless parking service operated by Phone-and-Pay disappeared under a cloud last November, with Waverley Borough Council yet to explain the reasons for the sudden withdrawal.

Responding to a question by The Herald in February, a Waverley spokesman said: “This is an ongoing contractual matter and we cannot comment on any aspect of your enquiry at this time due to reasons of legal privilege and commercial confidentiality.”

Neighbouring authorities Guildford Borough Council and Elmbridge Borough Council also withdrew their Phone-and-Pay services last November.

Welcoming the new RingGo service, Kevin Deanus, Waverley’s portfolio holder for parking, said: “This service is not only convenient, but it also means people can take their time getting back to their vehicles, as they can just top up their parking using the service again.

“So if anyone wants to spend a little longer shopping in our town centres or spending a bit more time in one of Waverley’s beautiful outdoor spaces – they can without any hassle or worry about getting a parking ticket. “

First time users of the service will be asked for information about their vehicle, the five digit location code (shown on the sign on the parking machine) and card payment details. The details will then be remembered for future use.

For more information about how to pay using the new service visit www.RingGo.co.uk