A 261-space car park has re-opened in a town centre after six months.

The multi-storey in Rhode Street, Chatham, has been taken over by an online parking operator using the latest technology to make a payment.

YourParkingSpace has installed a new automatic number plate recognition system enabling drivers the choice of paying online or using a mobile phone app.

The company also offers annual and monthly subscription plans as well as hourly and daily rates.

Spaces are available between 7am and 9pm on weekdays and Saturday and between 9am and 6pm on Sunday.

Previous owners NCP ended its lease in September and the car park has been disused until now.

Emily Adenuga, senior account manager from YourParkingSpace, said: "Our new ANPR camera picks up every vehicle that enters and exits, enabling the driver to park seamlessly and also offers different methods to pay.

"For example, you have the ability to pay via Post Pay, automatically picking up your arrival time, which means customers don’t have to rush back to their vehicle as they can pay when leaving and the price is automatically calculated for you.

"You also have the option to AutoPay – drive in and out and be charged without having to do anything at all. Simply sign up to autopay on your account and enjoy the seamless parking experience.

"There are also options to pre book via the YourParkingSpace website/app so you can book in advance to secure your space. As well as this, you can scan a QR code onsite, skip the queue and pay within seconds using our express checkout signs.

"The car park is barrierless so customers don’t have to queue on entry or exit."

Annual season ticket cost £500 if you pay upfront, with a saving of £200. Monthly parking is £60, quarterly is £150 and the daily price is £5.20.

The car park forms part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Trafalgar Centre, a vacant shopping mall which has been bought by Aylesford-based investment and development firm Terance Butler Holdings.

The company wants to construct 200 apartments across three buildings, as well as co-working spaces and creative arts studios.

Its plans revolve around demolishing the Trafalgar building, which closed in 2013.

Under the plans, the development would be across three blocks, the first of which would be facing the High Street.

One of the blocks is planned to be 11 storeys high, and another would be built above the existing car park and will be linked to the High Street block.

Under the plans, the development would be across three blocks, the first of which would be facing the High Street.