THE days of desperately hunting for loose change to pay for parking could soon be over thanks to a new hi-tech scheme unveiled in Colchester yesterdayThis latest project allows motorists to pay for their car parking spaces via their mobile phone and is expected to prove a hit with technology enthusiasts.

THE days of desperately hunting for loose change to pay for parking could soon be over thanks to a new hi-tech scheme unveiled in Colchester yesterday

This latest project allows motorists to pay for their car parking spaces via their mobile phone and is expected to prove a hit with technology enthusiasts.

Motorists will now have the option of paying to park by calling a national rate number on display at the car park and then registering with the system using their car registration number and credit card details.

On subsequent calls the system will immediately recognise the mobile number and drivers can pay for the space by entering the time they require and the four-digit car park location number.

Motorists are also able to pre-register on the system, supplied by Verrus UK Ltd, online at www.verrus.com.

Verrus chief executive officer, Robin Bevan, said: “From our experience, motorists really appreciate the convenience of the system, in particular the text reminders and ability to top up their parking whilst they are out shopping or on business.”

But Steve Brown, Colchester Borough Council parking operations manager, admitted the mobile phone system would not suit everyone.

He said: “Not everyone will take to the idea but there will be those who will. As the years go by we will all be paying for things in different ways so eventually these new methods will be adopted by all.”

Christopher Arnold, the council's portfolio holder for street services, added: “The new system will be more convenient and will stop the eternal hunt for spare change we all seem to go through.

“It won't suit everybody, especially those who don't like using new technology. I myself use the system and find it very convenient.”