HALF of Brighton's on-street parking machines will be scrapped as the council asks drivers to switch to the pay-by-phone service.

The move, which is estimated to save £250,000 a year, was agreed by the full council and is part of a package of £26 million in savings.

A transaction fee of 15 pence for phone payments has been cut to 10 pence as part of the budget changes.
In every parking zone half of the pay and display metres will be removed between now and June. 

A trial of removing machines saw over 85,000 transactions were made by phone or PayPoint during the period, with just 19 people complaining, after 34 machines were taken out of service.

The council is strongly urging drivers to register online now to join the service.  Officials say it is easier to do this at home, in advance.

Maintenance and cash-collecting costs are reduced under the new system

Councillor Ian Davey, lead councillor for transport, said: “It really is very easy to use the phone system as millions of people across the country have already found.  I’d urge people to register as soon as possible, in advance, so you’re all set up by the time you need it.  Large numbers of our visitors, from London, will already be registered.

“Once that’s done it’s actually a lot easier than messing about getting the right change.  You can also top up your parking time remotely if you need to stay longer which is a lot easier than walking back to the car.”

What do you think? Send your views to henry.holloway@theargus.co.uk