A new phone payment system will continue at two Medway car parks until March.

The PaybyPhone trial scheme has been operating at Corporation Street and Blue Boar Lane car parks in Rochester since October, as an alternative to existing pay and display machines.

The scheme could now be implemented at other Medway car parks, depending on results of the trial.

As well as making payments by debit card, people registered with PaybyPhone can opt in for texts to alert them when their parking time is running out and top up their payment, if required.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “The initial signs are that shoppers and commuters have welcomed having the choice of how they pay for parking.

“Extending the trial will give us a clearer idea of its success outside the busy festive period.

To use the service drivers register their vehicle and payment card details.

This only needs to be done once, enabling the driver to pay at other car parks where the system is in place.

You can pay by calling 0330 400 7275, texting 65565, or going online at www.paybyphone.co.uk or mobile site m.paybyphone.co.uk. There is also a PaybyPhone app.