CHANGES are being made to the cashless car parking system in Taunton and Wellington – and if you register quickly you’ll avoid paying a transaction charge for a month.

The current RingGo system has been in operation in Taunton Deane Council cark parks for a number of years, but the supplier is now changing to ‘Phone and Pay’ from Wednesday, April 1.

Parking machines will be labelled with the new information and leaflets made available for existing RingGo customers to make them aware of the impending switch.

Phone and Pay operates across the rest of Somerset, so Taunton Deane’s signing up will ensure a uniform system available countywide.

There’s a bonus on offer to everyone who registers before April 1 as they will benefit from a month without having to pay the 14p initial transaction charge.

Motorists can pay for parking using a credit or debit card - simply register online at www.phoneandpay.co.uk and provide vehicle and payment details or book parking by.

•Calling 01823-210302.

•Texting 07786-207708.

•Downloading the smartphone app (search “Phone and Pay Parking”).

Motorists will need to quote the location code and the length of stay before confirming the booking.

Once booked motorists can extend their parking time without having to return to their vehicle.

So if you are delayed in the shops, or running late in any way, the ability to buy parking by phone will avoid the possibility of a nasty penalty fine.

Pay and display will remain available for those drivers who prefer to use that system.

Taunton Deane Council parking enforcement staff will receive real-time information on all parking bookings made via handheld terminals, enabling them to monitor vehicles within the car park in an instant.