DRIVERS are now able to pay contactless at every council car park in Test Valley following the installation of new payment machines.

Following the decision to replace all the machines earlier this year, the installations began earlier this month and have now been completed.

It means that car parks in Romsey and Andover now accept payment by contactless cards, smartphones and through cash and coins.

Head of Property and Asset Management at Test Valley Borough Council, Simon Ellis, said: “We’re really pleased that the installations went smoothly and that all of our car parks now benefit from these new machines.

“It’s common knowledge that not everyone carries cash now and perhaps this can go some way to avoid that feeling of wondering if you have a spare pound coin lying around.

"Hopefully the machines will encourage people to stay longer in our town centres and continue to shop locally, too.”

The machines have been provided by Inaparc

Paul Betteridge, Sales Director from Inaparc, said: “We are delighted to be working with the council to deliver modern payment pay and display machines across Test Valley.

"InaParc are looking forward to many years of supporting the borough and it's car park users."

As well as the new payment methods, RingGo will also continue to be offered in all council car parks.

As previously reported, 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.”

Car parks in Romsey which are owned by Test Valley Borough Council and now have contactless parking include Broadwater Road, Church Road, Lortemore Road, Newton Lane, Princes Road, Alma Road and Romsey Rapids.