The following is a message from Jayne Rusbatch – Head of Highways and Parking
High Street Purley and Whytecliffe Road South cashless parking trial
In support of the council’s ambitions for supporting the economic vibrancy of town centres and high streets, we are trialling plans to improve parking availability in Whytecliffe Road South and High Street Purley.
The council is pleased to offer limited stay free parking within our town centres and high streets, as it is vital to encourage the community to support local businesses. Limited short-stay parking encourages regular turnover, by making spaces close to shops available for short durations suitable for shopping.
From Tuesday 2 January 2024, we will be changing how the free 60-minute parking sessions operate for a trial period of three weeks. This will involve switching off the ‘pay and display’ machines, as they will not be dispensing tickets. Instead, motorists will need to use the RingGo cashless parking app on their smartphones or call RingGo on 0203 046 0010 to obtain a free session or alternatively visit a local PayPoint location. The council does not apply surcharges to use RingGo, but do check your settings. Please note that there is a no return period of two hours after leaving a location.
Our existing ‘pay and display’ machines are reaching the end of their operation as they rely upon 3G connectivity, which is currently being shut down by network providers. The trial will enable the council to understand the impact of moving to phone payment and explore ways of addressing any issues that users experience during the trials.
The council welcomes any comments on this trial, via an online survey, available at www.croydon.gov.uk/PurleyCPSurvey The survey will close on Monday 22 January 2024.
If you have any questions, or require further information, please contact parking@croydon.gov.uk or by phone on 020 8726 6000.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cashless Parking Trial in Purley:
Why is the council undertaking a cashless parking trial?
Our ‘pay and display’ machines are reaching the end of their useful life with the imminent removal of 3G connectivity and increasing maintenance costs. Significant capital investment would be required for new machines and given the current financial position of the council, this is not possible. Cashless parking where drivers book time using their mobile phones or using the PayPoint facility in some shops, as an alternative system, will ensure the continued viability of the parking service.
Can I have more than one parking session on the same day?
Yes. Drivers will be able to obtain free parking sessions in the same parking location but only after a period of two hours after leaving. You will also be able to park for free in other district centre areas in the borough on the same day.
Where can I obtain the RingGo app?
The RingGo app can be downloaded on your Android or Apple mobile phone on-line by visiting https://ringgo.co.uk or using the QR code below. It is advisable to set up the app on your phone whilst at home.
What if I don’t have a smart phone? Can I book a parking session using an old-style mobile phone or landline?
Parking sessions can be booked with an old-style mobile phone by phoning 020 3046 0010 and confirming your details and the RingGo location code, which are indicated on signs. It is easier to register your details on-line first at myRingGo.co.uk/register to ensure that the parking session goes smoothly. Parking sessions can also be booked on a landline but there would be no guarantee that there is a parking space available when arriving in a street or car park.
Can I book a parking session without using RingGo?
Yes. An alternative is to use PayPoint. PayPoint locations are at some shops as listed below. You can ask at the shop to book a free parking session on RingGo at the shops below by asking an assistant – please ensure you have details of the registration number of your vehicle and the RingGo location code as shown on signs and the ticket machines:
The PayPoint location in Purley can be found at the Londis store at the Shell Foxley Garage on the corner of Godstone Road and Foxley Hill Road.
Can I comment on the trial?
The council welcomes any comments on this trial via an online survey, available at:
www.croydon.gov.uk/NewAddingtonCPSurvey
Any questions please phone 020 8726 6000.
The survey will close on Monday 22 January 2024.