News
Parking by phone in Walsall plans ditched
A scheme that would allow drivers to pay for parking spaces using their phones has been scrapped because of the cost. Hard-up Walsall Council has hung up on the plan as it struggles to make £11.2million in savings.
Group leader for traffic management and parking services, Paul Leighton, said: “We are still considering the viability of introducing a system.
“But the cost of such a scheme cannot be justified in the current economic climate. Motorists looking for the convenience of pre-paid parking can already purchase monthly, three month and annual season tickets and save themselves a few pounds by doing so.”
The scheme would have allowed motorists an alternative to searching for change for parking meters by allowing them to call an automated telephone system to make a payment. After giving their registration number, a message would be flashed to Walsall`s ever vigilant parking enforcement officers who would then know that the driver had paid to park.
The cash crisis in Walsall has not effected the installation of digital information signs in Darlaston Road, Birmingham Road, Wolverhampton Road, Bescot Road, Lichfield Road and Somerfield Road in Bloxwich. These signs, due for completion by Easter, will inform motorists of available car parking spaces, road closures and traffic snarl-ups.