Council to use one app for all parking payments

From September, there will be just one app used across BCP Council's car parks (stock image)

A single mobile app will be accepted for parking payments across all car parks operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, it has been announced.

RingGo will become the sole provider in the area from Monday 1 September following the end of contracts with JustPark and PayByPhone.

Drivers will still be able to pay using a range of methods, including phone call, text message, online and via the RingGo app.

Amanda Barrie, director of commercial operations at BCP Council, said the change was "intended to make it simpler for residents and visitors to pay for parking quickly and securely".

"We understand that changes to parking payment systems can raise questions," she said.

"We appreciate the public's support during this transition and remain committed to making parking as straightforward as possible."

Consolidating payments into one app will also save staff time and reduce operational costs, which will help keep increases to charges to a minimum, the council said.

The authority has encouraged residents and visitors to download the app before travelling.

Existing users can continue using their accounts in the BCP area without any changes.

The council also said that QR codes would not be used for registration or payment.