Residents and motorists who want help downloading the RingGo parking app or a demonstration on how to call to pay for parking across the borough are being invited to a series of drop-in sessions.
There is already support information on the council’s website at www.bromley.gov.uk/ringgoparkingpayment and leaflets in the borough’s libraries. Residents have also been sent information directly, enclosed with their council tax statement, with the demonstration drop-in sessions designed to support residents who may have personal enquiries where a practical demonstration of how to download or use the RingGo app will help.
The drop-in sessions are being held in
- Biggin Hill Library – Monday 27 March, from 11am – 1pm
- Ravenswood Avenue car park, West Wickham, Wednesday 29 March, 11am – 1pm
- Chislehurst Library - Thursday 30 March, from 11am – 1pm
Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways and Road Safety, said: “Most of us, young and old alike are already paying for many goods and services online and parking is no different. We recognise that for some, who have not paid for parking before using their phone, that this may seem strange, and this is where our practical demonstration sessions will be useful. Please bring your mobile phone with you so we can help. We will be on hand to assist you download the RingGo app if needed so that you can use the app going forwards. We will also explain how the system works if you do not a smart phone.”
Moving over to the RingGo service means that motorists will no longer need to find coins, have the correct change, worry about machine faults, incorrectly displayed tickets or returning to their car to extend their stay. Motorists are being encouraged to download the RingGo app from their provider’s store. A smart phone is however not required, customers can also book and pay for a session by calling RingGo, sending a text message or through their land line or other suitable device at their property before even leaving to park.
A programme of works to remove pay and display machines is now underway, which will also reduce on-street clutter and free-up the pavement for pedestrian use. RingGo will soon become the only way to pay to park in council operated parking locations on-street and in most car parks. The news that the council is removing the remaining pay and display machines follows confirmation that the SIM cards in the machines will soon stop working as the 3G technology is switched off nationally. The near £1million cost for installing new machines has been ruled out given that the majority, 75 percent, already use the alternative payment method.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk