Motorists can use their mobile phones to pay for their car parking in Dover, Deal and Sandwich.

The district council has launched a system which allows motorists to pay for parking with their mobile phones using their debit or credit cards.

It is the first such scheme operated by a local authority in Kent.

Working in partnership with RingGo, the council will offer the service in most of its car parks across the district.

Once registered with RingGo, motorists can call a local number – 01304 892895 – to pay for parking.

First-time users will need to give details of their vehicle, where they are parked, for how long they want to park and their full card details.

The next time they call, RingGo remembers the mobile number and will ask for the vehicle details to be confirmed, the location, duration of parking and the card security code.

People can also register on-line at www.myringgo.co.uk/

Using the service costs 20 pence in addition to the parking fee.

For more details, log onto www.dover.gov.uk/parking