By Eleanor Holdsworth

RUGBY Borough Council has today (Monday 21st March 2022) launched a consultation on whether to offer cashless payment at its car parks.

The council plans to offer residents the option of paying for car parking via smartphone app, phone call, SMS message or online - in addition to paying by cash.

Once registered on the cashless payment system, to use a car park residents enter the location code, length of time to park and a three digit payment card security code.

Cllr Derek Poole (Wolston and the Lawfords, Conservative), Rugby Borough Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for regulation and safety, said councils across the country were increasingly offering cashless payment for parking.

"The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of cashless payment across a wide range of our everyday activities, from banking to food shopping," Cllr Poole said.

"During the pandemic we received a number of enquiries from customers who want to pay for parking via a cashless system, and we're looking at introducing an app which allows residents to pay via a smartphone app, mobile or online.

"Before pushing ahead with our plans, it's important we hear what residents think about offering a cashless payment system so we can make sure our payment options reflect the needs of car park users."

A council spokesperson said they were not at the stage of looking at costs yet. “We're gauging whether there's a demand for a cashless option,” he said.

The consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 14th April 2022.

Take part in the consultation