Consultation on cashless parking being rolled out across Slough

A consultation is launching today (Fri) about a proposal to make all on and off-street car parks in Slough cashless.

The council conducted a review, in November 2023, on the current parking provision and the outcome report identified that the current model was not the most cost effective.

The aim of the cashless system is to provide a more efficient method for residents and customers making payments to the council and to reduce the high transactional and contract costs associated with the current parking offer, which includes cash, card and pay by phone.

The council has 32 pay and display machines on and off street which would be made non-operational.

RingGo would be the provider of the online payments system.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, said: “We are modernising our processes and making efficiencies where required. These changes are considered essential in providing a parking service which is sustainable for the future, and which offers residents an efficient and reliable way to pay for their parking.

“Signage would be clearly displayed to advise of any changes and to indicate the new payment method, along with information on where they could go to use a pay point if they can’t do it online or by phone.”

The council has been paying out to five different suppliers a year to provide a cash and card payment parking option to the public.

By moving to a cashless system, there would be no more maintenance and transaction charges for the pay machines, reduced banking fees and system costs, as well as a reduction in the payment made to the parking contractor, Saba.

There would also be increased efficiency in parking enforcement, as the RingGo app is linked to the Civil Enforcement Officers handheld devices so they would no longer need to check vehicle windscreens.

A cashless option allows drivers to receive text messages when the parking time is expiring and allows them to extend this period remotely if required, without having to return to a pay machine. This reduces the risk of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice and promotes greater convenience and flexibility.

Measures would be put in place for those who cannot pay by phone or use the RingGo app.

Customers who still wish to pay by cash, would be able to use PayPoint terminals at locations in a variety of shops across Slough near all parking bays and car parks. Available locations can be found online.

Drivers would have to give their vehicle registration, the RingGo location code where their vehicle is parked, and the time they wish to park for before the fee is calculated.

This would mean they don’t have to register to set up a RingGo account and they can pay by cash or card, and have their transaction digitally recorded.

Residents would also be able to send a text message to find the location of the nearest PayPoint, by texting Shop RingGo, followed by the five digit location code, to 81025.

The initial contract with RingGo would be for an initial fixed term of three years, with the option to extend for another year.

View the traffic regulation orders online.

To comment on the plans, email parking.consultations@slough.gov.uk or write to Parking Development, Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, SL1 2EL.

Comments can be submitted until 10 October.