Pay-by-phone parking arrives in Borough & Bankside streets

The system allows drivers to pay for their parking and top up their parking time by using their debit or credit card over the phone. It even sends a text reminder when the parking time is due to expire.

Signage on parking meters explains how the system works and gives the driver a London number to call to register their car with the service (020 3046 0010).

Once registered, drivers will be able to pay for their parking in as little as 30 seconds over the phone.

However, convenience does come at a cost: a 20p service charge applies to each RingGo parking transaction. Reminder texts are charged at 10p each. Drivers will still be able to pay by coin if they wish.

The 18-month pilot scheme is currently available in controlled parking zones C1 (Bankside), C2 (Borough) and F (London Bridge).

"This technology is really fantastic – so simple to use but also clever enough to remind you when the parking time is due to expire," enthuses Cllr Paul Noblet assistant executive member for environment and transport.

"Imagine how great it will be to top up your parking without returning to your car. No more interruptions half way through a movie to put more coins in the meter!

"We are looking forward to hearing from people who use the service – and if we get positive reports we'll certainly be looking at how the rest of the borough could benefit from this technology."

Southwark Council has teamed up with RingGo who are providing the technology and support.

Unlike some other systems, RingGo's technology only requires a driver to register once – which means the time required to pay by phone is drastically reduced. Drivers registered will be able to pay by phone in other boroughs around the UK also teamed with RingGo.

Parking attendants will be equipped with a special mobile phone that will show them which cars in the street have paid for parking by phone. The attendants will also be on hand to show people how to use the service and provide help if needed.