From today motorists without spare change can pay for a ticket by using their mobile phone.

Havant Borough Council has introduced a new payment system called RingGo in its 25 car parks.

Motorists who either don't have cash on them or don't want to wait in a queue can simply call a hotline and give their location to an operator.

They then give their vehicle details, the length of time they want to park and pay using a credit or debit card.

The system has been used in Portsmouth council car parks since July 2007.

Councillor Jenny Wride, who is in charge of car parks in the Havant borough, said: 'It's going to benefit a lot of people.

'One of the primary benefits is people often do not have the correct change.

'It means people can pay no matter how far from the parking machine they are. It means people don't have to hunt for loose change and they don't have to stand in the rain at the meter.'

A huge benefit for motorists could be that it cuts down on the chances of getting a fine.

If someone wants to extend their stay in the car park, there is no need to have to rush back to the car park.

Instead, they can call the hotline and pay a bit extra.

The only snag is that motorists have to pay a 20p charge for the phone call.

Parking attendants have been given new technology to deal with the changes. They will be carrying a hand-held device which carries the details of those cars which have paid on their mobile phones.

Those cars that are not listed – and have no valid ticket – will get a penalty notice.

Cllr Wride added: 'On occasion it has happened where thieves have broken into machines and take the takings. This will diminish that risk.

'If the scheme really does take off, then there could tangible cost-saving in terms of staff having to collect money from the machines at the end of the day.'

The number to call to use RingGo is (023) 9298 0098.