New 'state of the art' parking machines are unveiled today at Central Milton Keynes

The first batch of 130 new 'state of the art' parking payment machines at Central Milton Keynes are being unveiled today.
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The machines allow drivers to pay by debit or credit card or via the Ringo app.

They will make it "quicker and easier" for drivers and shoppers to pay, says Milton Keynes Council. But they won't make it any cheaper, as parking charges will remain the same.

Councillor Martin Gowans, who is Cabinet member for transport , today officially unveiled the new parking payment machines.

Councillor Martin Gowans demonstrates one of the new machinesCouncillor Martin Gowans demonstrates one of the new machines
Councillor Martin Gowans demonstrates one of the new machines

He said: “We’re making a £1m capital investment to install the new machines, but they’ll be cheaper to maintain overall. As well as giving drivers a bit more flexibility, the new technology will also help us understand when parking spaces are used and for how long.”

The old payment machines were more than two decades old and were becoming more costly to repair as modern technology changes.

"The new units are state of the art and simple to use. Drivers just type in their number plate details, so there’s no need to display a ticket," said a council spokesman.

He added: "Coins will still be accepted. There are no changes to any restrictions or tariffs."

the roll out of the new machines will be completed by the end of the month.

MK Council makes up to £12m a year from parking charges and fines. The money is invested into local transport services.