BCP COUNCIL have launched a 'multi-vendor parking approach' across the conurbation, integrating its three pay and park services across all of its car parks.

Commuters can now choose to pay for parking with three different apps – PayByPhone, RingGo or JustPark – regardless of which town they are parking in.

It is hoped the streamlining of parking provisions will make it quicker, easier and more convenient for those looking to visit the area this summer.

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport, said: “I am really pleased that we are able to offer this multi-vendor service ahead of summer and our anticipated increase in demand for our car parks as national restrictions continue to ease.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy our area and all the wonderful open spaces and facilities it has to offer with as little stress or worry as possible.

“This initiative should make things simpler for everyone as they don’t need to match the location to a particular provider, and it gives users the chance to find the cheapest and most convenient app for them.”

Bournemouth Echo: The main King's Park car park which has signs stating that only Pay by Phone payments can be accepted..

Cash parking is still available in some BCP Council car parks and on-street parking.

This comes ahead of what is predicted to be a busy bank holiday weekend for the south coast, with hotels expected to full once again as temperatures are forecasted for the late teens to earlier twenties across the three-day weekend.

“We are delighted to be expanding our locations across Dorset with the addition of Christchurch and Poole, said Adam Dolphin, sales director for PayByPhone UK.

“While still relatively new to the UK, multi-vendor contracts are much more commonplace in Europe, and work very successfully. They not only offer greater choice and flexibility to motorists, but also promote healthy competition among vendors, which is always a good thing.”

Drivers will be able to safely secure parking sessions and extend their parking remotely using either of the three apps and avoid queues at parking machines.

Bournemouth Echo: Durley Road car park has been earmarked for a flats scheme by Bournemouth Development Company

Managing director for RingGo Peter O’Driscoll said: “We are delighted to be offering RingGo with no convenience fee, across the whole of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“RingGo has been offered across all three areas, previously, so we are sure our 18 million UK motorists will also be pleased to use the service here again.”

Client services director at JustPark Hannah Fuller added: “We are delighted to be able to continue with and expand our cashless payment services to the whole of the BCP area.

“Our inclusion in this multi-vendor approach is an exciting opportunity for JustPark to create lots of value through the integration of our parking data with the other suppliers to the benefit of drivers across the region.”

BCP Council has also updated its Beach Check app to provide users with live information on car parking spaces, such as how many are available at a number of council-operated car parks.