A DIGITAL parking scheme is set to be trialled in Caversham next week, Reading Borough Council has announced.
A new method of allowing visitors to handle parking permits will be implemented for a test period in Lower Caversham with a view to rolling it out across the borough if successful.
It follows the launch of a digital service for residents across Reading back in November last year, which was also trialled in
It is designed to be more flexible and convenient for visitors, for whom parking is still in the previous “scratch card” format and provided around 8 hours of parking at a time.
The new system will allow visitors to seek permits for a minimum of an hour, equivalent to a single credit.
New visitor packs will include 120 credits, which will be redeemable via an online account where users can also view bookings, status, and reminders.
Wardens will be able to check vehicle permits instantly via handheld devices.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
“The digital residents’ parking scheme was successfully launched in Reading in November last year.
“Residents have found they can renew their permits, or apply for new one, much more easily without having to wait for a permit to be printed and sent to them.
“Now, we are pleased to be introducing digital visitor permits in this trial in Lower Caversham.
“It gives residents much more flexibility by being able to use permits by the hour and book online without the risk of making a mistake on the scratch card. It’s also more efficient for the Council and uses fewer resources.
“If the trial goes well in Caversham the Council will look at rolling out the digital visitor parking scheme to the rest of the borough.”
