The Cabinet Member for Community introduced the report which provided the background to cashless parking payments in SBC car parks, and that the contract for the Cashless Payments in Off-Street Car Parks be awarded to Park Now Ltd (RingGo) following a joint tender process with Maidstone Borough Council.  The Cabinet Member said the proposal would provide more options on how customers paid for their parking e.g, via text messaging or by phone.   He confirmed that customers would still be able to pay by cash at the ticket machines and noted that currently approximately 51% of customers made cashless payments in car parks. 

The Cabinet Member for Community proposed the recommendations which were seconded by the Cabinet Member for Planning.

A Member highlighted that Park Now Ltd (RingGo) had not been the cheapest option but were the highest on quality which was encouraging. 

The Head of Environment and Leisure stated that officers had been able to negotiate through the contract, that no transaction fee for cashless payments was made by residents.  He explained that this was unique across the country so the proposal was a really good deal for residents, and they also had the opportunity to opt-into text reminders and services which would attract a fee.

A Member commented that officers needed to ensure that when considering tenders they consistently embodied the Council’s commitment to pay the real living wage and took measures towards the Climate Emergency.  

Resolved:

(1)      That the contract for the Cashless Payments in Off-Street Car Parks be awarded to Park Now Ltd (RingGo) for the sum of £106,671 (estimated value) for 3 years plus possible 2 year extension.

(2)      That delegated authority be given to the Head of Environment and Leisure and the Head of Mid-Kent Legal Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community, to complete the contract award.