Newcastle Council smartphone app makes car parking easier

A new smartphone app has been launched by Newcastle Council, making car parking more convenient.

Users of the EasyPark app will now no longer have to pay for parking tickets at the meter, as the technology provides them with virtual control of parking spaces.

Newcastle City Council is the first NSW council to deploy the app to help manage parking spaces right across its local government area.

"I'm thrilled to say that with the launch of the EasyPark app, the City of Newcastle is on the way to relegating parking meters to the dustbin of history," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Using it will allow you to pay for parking remotely and end a parking session precisely when you want to.

"This means you won't waste a single cent when returning to your car earlier than expected.

"Smart parking is just one of the great ideas being implemented as part of our Smart City Strategy. It's the start of a broader approach to making parking smarter in the city centre."

The council's vision is for Newcastle to be an open, collaborative and connected smart city that uses technology to make things easier, more livable and sustainable.

By registering with a number plate, the app allows users to start a parking session, extend it if needed and end it immediately.

Users simply log in and, by spinning a wheel on the screen of their phone or tablet, set their zone and required time length.

Parking officers will use their handheld devices to verify payment by cars without a ticket on their dashboard, and will still be able to enforce time limits specified by street signage.

Councillor Nelmes said commuters who use the council's park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium to the city can also use the app to pay for the service.

The app's launch coincided with the end of Park and Ride's free introductory period. The service now has a $2.20 daily fee that can be paid quickly and easily using the new app.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Kadmy

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