Cotswold District Council (CDC) has announced plans to scrap cash payments at its car parks across the district from March next year.

Visitors to council-owned car parks across the district will instead have to use an app on a smart phone or call a number and pay by card.

On Thursday, CDC launched its new parking app, PayByPhone, which replaces the previous MiPermit app.

The app is free to use and the 10p admin charge has been scrapped.

PayByPhone is one of the largest providers of cashless parking services in the UK and will be in use at all council car parks.

Cllr Mike Evemy, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “The new app makes parking in the district simpler and more convenient than ever.

"Not only does paying this way give more flexibility for drivers, but by reducing the amount of cash in the machines, we can reduce the risks of theft and vandalism. It will also reduce the number of people needing to use the machines.”

Once loaded onto your device, drivers enter the location number of the car park, select how long they want to stay and confirm their payment.

The app also has a range of features including a handy reminder telling you when your parking period is due to end, multiple payment methods and 24/7 support service.

Those residents who do not have a smartphone can still pay by card. The council is planning to end cash payments by March 2021.

Cllr Richard Morgan, leader of the opposition Conservative group said: "We are very happy to see this technology being installed in our car parks and we are pleased this app will make it easier for some residents and visitors to pay for their parking.

"However, this app should be an additional payment option and it should not be allowed to replace paying by cash or card on arrival, which is still the preferred option for the majority of our car park users.

"We will press the administration to continue to accept traditional cash and card payments as well as payments by this excellent new app."

Council owned car parks:

Cirencester: Abbey, Beeches, Brewery, Forum, Leisure Centre, Old Station, Sheep Street and Waterloo

Tetbury: The Chipping, Church Street and West Street

Bourton-on-the-Water: Rissington Road

Moreton-in-Marsh: Old Market Way

Stow-on-the-Wold: Maugersbury Road

For more information, go to https://paybyphone.co.uk/cotswold