Motorists could save themselves from parking fines by paying for their spaces with mobile phones.

It means they can top of their payments remotely if they can’t get back to their car in time before their ticket expires.

This is the enterprising new idea suggested by Ashford Borough Council, which is now being explored.

Cllr Michael Claughton, portfolio holder for parking, explained: “We hope we can improve the service we offer to the public with initiative projects such as a cashless payment scheme, which will make paying for parking easier and more convenient.”

The scheme would involve payment by mobiles using debit or credit cards so they can top up if they need to extend their stay.

It would save drivers having to find change for ticket machines and running the risk of getting a penalty if they are late returning to their car.

The proposal is just one future initiative featured in the council’s parking services annual report approved by the executive committee last Thursday.

Other proposals could see civil enforcement officers, formerly parking attendants, trained to carry out enforcement of littering offences they may witness, something already operated by other councils.

The report, which covers 2008/09 provides an overview of the service proposing future initiatives and highlighting recent projects and achievements.
These include:

A comprehensive review of all traffic regulation orders, signs and road markings to ensure they meet current regulations.

The yellow lines painted at Orbital Park in March to prevent the nuisance parking of lorries.

Major refurbishment of the car and coach parking area in Station Road, Tenterden, in March.

Repairs to the Edinburgh Road car park following the discovery of serious structural defects.

The report also showed the cost of running the parking services last year was over £1.2 million with an income of £1.8 million.
But the council says it has now already found a fall in income due to the recession and expects a far lower total for 2009/10.