You can now use your phone to pay to park in Blackpool

The scheme, in partnership with mobile parking payments company PayByPhone, can be used in municipal car parks and on-street parking bays.

It means motorists no longer have to search for the right change or come into contact with pay and display machines, although they can still use cash if they wish.

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member with responsibility for parking, said: “Although we will retain traditional payment methods of cash, the new PayByPhone app enables motorists to choose to avoid handling cash or touching payment machines and risk the spread of the coronavirus.

“It also means that by downloading the app, they can pay for their parking from inside their own vehicle and not have to queue at payment machines at busy times.

“This new process makes paying for parking faster and more convenient.”

He added: “During these uncertain times, we are putting the safety of our residents, visitors, and employees at the top of our agenda by offering a cashless parking payment option.”

The scheme has been launched as more people shift away from using notes and coins towards a cashless society.

Adam Dolphin,  of PayByPhone UK, said:  ”Using PayByPhone is very straightforward, and registration takes less than 30 seconds.

“Parking sessions can be extended in a matter of seconds too via the app or a smart watch and we will also send drivers a text to remind them the session is about to expire, so no need to worry about getting a ticket.”

Download the PayByPhone app from the App Store or Google Play Store or visit www.paybyphone.co.uk