The London Borough of Hounslow becomes the latest Local Authority to offer RingGo mobile phone parking to its residents and visitors. Hounslow decided that a trial of this proven system was unnecessary and have signed a five year contract.
The first phase involves a rollout to 20 off-street pay & display car parks across Brentford, Feltham, Hounslow, Isleworth and Chiswick, with further car parks and the on-street facilities being added in early 2007. This will make this RingGo cashless parking implementation the largest of its kind in London.
Helen Kent, the Parking Manager for Hounslow, explains the rationale. "We are always looking to improve the service we give motorists. If modern technology can provide greater choice and simplify people's lives, then we should endeavour to offer it. I was impressed by the whole RingGo package, from the cheap-to-call landline number to the quality of the management information. Being able to extend a parking session remotely is a great idea - especially for anyone whose Christmas shopping is taking longer than expected!"
Enforcement of the scheme will initially be undertaken using some of the latest Nokia mobile phones. These devices allow number plates to be checked quickly, and also double up as communicators so that attendants can stay in touch with base.
Harry Clarke, speaking on behalf of Cobalt, comments, "We're very pleased to be involved with such a significant rollout in the capital. Time was tight but Hounslow run a very professional department - we went from getting the green light to the first cashless parker in only 6 weeks."
"Interestingly, all our other RingGo implementations are showing increased levels of use as winter sets in. It seems that most of us would rather pay to park from the warmth of our vehicles, rather than brave the damp and cold conditions outside."
