THE DATE for contactless parking has now been confirmed by Test Valley Borough Council.

TVBC has now confirmed contactless parking machines will begin to be installed in all of the council’s car parks on Saturday, November 9 and it is estimated that it will take around two weeks to finish the work.

The new machines will enable contactless payment as well as card and cash options for users.

Planning portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “We recognise that contactless payment is a necessity in our town centres in this day and age and so it was something that we were keen to see happen.

“Having cash is now not as common as it used to be five or ten years ago so it was important we brought the borough up to speed.

“Hopefully this can help shoppers to use our car parks with ease and encourage more people to shop locally now that parking is simpler and more convenient.”

Romsey Town Centre Manager, Mark Edgerley, said: “The ability to make contactless payments will be a huge benefit to Romsey town centre users, no more searching for loose change, instead just tap and go into the town centre for your shopping, a coffee or maybe lunch.

“Making parking easier ensures visitors and residents alike can enjoy the facilities of the town while local businesses benefit from more customers.”

RingGo will continue to be offered in all council car parks as well as the cash, card and contactless payment methods.

Full council approved the recommendation to replace the payment machines back in June to help make it easier for visitors to use the town centres and shop locally.

This comes as Cllr Mark Cooper, who represents Tadburn on the borough council, welcomed the introduction of contactless parking.

He said: “I welcome contactless parking payments. It’s so much easier than messing about with coins.

“A town will attract more visitors and shoppers if parking is made convenient and easy.

“It would help to have a few more off-street spaces available. Romsey Future is doing some pro-active work on this issue.”