DRIVERS have the option to go cashless when paying for parking thanks to South Hams Council.

The launch of RingGo service allows drivers to pay for parking by bank card through their mobile phone.

The system is being installed throughout the area's car parks and is due to go live this week.

With phone parking drivers will not need to save up change, trek to and from the machine, or have to put a ticket on the dashboard – civil enforcement officers check which vehicles have paid using internet connected handheld devices.

Thr council's head of environmental services Helen Dobby said: 'Cashless parking is a very important benefit in the age of the mobile and smartphone.

'We're happy to welcome RingGo to the South Hams since it has proved so worthwhile in West Devon.

'As well as being convenient, paying with RingGo reduces the risk of receiving a parking penalty charge notice.

'If you're running late or simply want a bit longer for your shopping, there's no need to worry,

'You can just top up your parking wherever you are by using the service.'

People with an iPhone or an Android handset can use the specially developed iPhone and Android apps to register and pay for parking.

Other smartphone users can pay via the RingGo mobile website, http://www.myringgo.co.uk">www.myringgo.co.uk or call the standard rate phone number 020 3046 0010 when they want to park.

Drivers can also pre-register at http://www.my">www.my RingGo.co.uk.

If it's your first time using the service, you'll be asked for information about your vehicle, the four or five digit location code – shown on the Pay and Display machine sign – and details of your payment card. When you use the service again, it recognises your mobile phone number and retrieves the information given, reducing payment time considerably.

You can pay with RingGo via the apps, by calling, using a text message or on-line. Details of each are given on the myRingGo website.

Car parks involved in the scheme include:

Dartmouth - Mayors Avenue, Park and Ride, Leisure Centre, Dartmouth Castle

Ivybridge – Leonards Road, Glanvilles Mill, Harford Road

Modbury – Poundwell Meadow, Poundwell Street

Kingsbridge – Quay, Cattle Market, Duncombe Park, Lower Union Road, Fore Street

Totnes –Pavilion, Heath Way, Old Market, Longmarsh, Longmarsh Extension, Steamer Quay, North Street, Heath's Nursery

Salcombe – Creek, Shadycombe, North Sands, Whitestrand

Hope Cove – Inner Hope

Slapton - Memorial, Strete Gate, Torcross, Torcross Village Layby

Bigbury on Sea

For more information visit http://www.south">www.south hams.gov.uk.