A new system which allows motorists to pay for parking without cash is to implemented in towns across Northern Ireland.

The cashless parking payment scheme involves a short phone call at the start and end of a parking session.

Payment is taken on either a credit or debit card at the end of the month.

It avoids the problem of motorists not having change or having to guess how long they will be parked for.

After the success of an initial trial in Belfast, Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that the scheme will now be extended to Londonderry, Newry, Lisburn and Omagh.

Mr Kennedy said its start/stop approach means motorists no longer have to accurately predict the length of their stay in car parks.

“This will free up people from having to return to their vehicle if they want to stay longer, provided they do not exceed the maximum permitted stay period shown on the signs,” he said.

“Nearly 40,000 calls have been recorded since the scheme’s introduction last February — a clear indication that motorists have benefited from using the Belfast service, and it makes sense to give other towns which have pay and display parking the same opportunity to make use of the scheme.”

Peter O'Driscoll from Parkmobile, which supplies the system, said: “Depending on motorists' personal preferences, they can start their parking by a short phone call, activating online, or via one of the Parkmobile parking apps available on iPhone, Android and Blackberry.”