Motorists parking in Dundee will no longer have to fumble for loose change thanks to a programme of installing new meters in the city centre.
More than 70 new meters which can take credit and debit cards have been installed around the city centre, with another 40 planned over the next year.
As part of the roll-out, pay-on-foot meters have also been put in at Gellatly Street multi-storey car park, adding to the number of places drivers can pay by card, cash or mobile phone.
Dundee City Council city development committee convener Will Dawson said: “We are in the process of buying and installing 111 new meters during this and next financial years, and that will improve the usability of pay-and-display parking for motorists.
“As well as being able to pay with cash, the machines also allow drivers to purchase parking by debit and credit card or by phone if they wish.
“From an operational point of view, all meters are networked to the parking office and the team will be able to collate information on usage patterns and identify faults and other statistics from a central location.”
The first 71 new on-street meters are now operating in locations in the city centre, with parking via mobile phone also available at 16 off street car parks and five long stay car parks throughout the city.
Mr Dawson added: “With the improvements at Gellatly Street and the new on-street meters, we have invested more that £300,000 to help businesses and visitors by making the parking process easier and encouraging people to stay in the city centre for longer.”
A centrally monitored computer controlled system relays information to parking attendants who can get up to the minute information on the status of any parked vehicle. The central control hub at Gellatly Street is being linked with the city’s three most recent multi-storey car parks, including the new Olympia facility, which will open later this year.
CCTV, barrier and payment systems controls will all be delivered from a single point, enabling automatic number plate detection and ticketless entry and exit for season ticket and blue badge holders, as well as increased security.