This article is from page 38 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 38 JPG
ENNIS Town Council has announced the introduction of a new cashless method of paying for parking in County Clare’s largest town.
The ParkMagic system enables customers displaying a ParkMagic barcode window sticker in the windscreen of their cars to make parking payments via text message or phonecall.
Traffic wardens use electronic handheld devices to scan the barcode or input vehicle registrations to verify payment status.
The system also includes a text messaging option for customers to be notified that their payment is due to expire.
Ennis becomes only the third Irish town to use the ParkMagic system, which is already in operation in Limerick City and Cork City.
Newly appointed Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Mary Coote Ryan said:
“I would like to commend the Council for providing innovative and easier ways for members of the public to park in the town.
The introduction of the pay-byphone system complements other parking initiatives such as the extension of free parking during the summer season, the Christmas free parking scheme and the introduction of new Carparking Byelaws.
Leonard Cleary, Town Clerk explained:
“The ParkMagic system uses mobile phone technology to simplify parking payments whilst also allowing greater access for the public and the overall efficiency of parking in the town.
“An expiry text message facility is available to customers to alert them 10 minutes prior to their parking payment expiring and will prompt a repeat payment if permitted at the relevant parking location.
This facility encourages space turnover and also maximises the level of payment compliance.
Payment systems that allow flexible payment arrangements rather than payment of parking on arrival.
This is expected to encourage longer shopping trips and greater consumer spend as indicated in the recent Retail Excellence Ireland report on Ennis and other towns and cities,” added Mr Cleary.
Before parking, drivers need to register with ParkMagic.
This can be done by picking up a window sticker in any one of the designated outlets.
These include Ennis Town Council (Drumbiggle), Rowan Tree Café Bar, County Boutique, Willow, The Ennis Bookshop, Zest, Ennis Tourist Office, County Museum, Glór, Chamber of Commerce, Clare County Council, De Valera Library, Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, Credit Union, Main Post Office, and Market Place Post Office.