Slough Borough Council to Eliminate Cash Parking Payments from March 30
In a significant change for local motorists, Slough Borough Council has announced it will scrap cash parking payments effective March 30, 2026, transitioning entirely to a cashless system. This shift to an app-only payment method is expected to impact thousands of drivers who rely on traditional payment options.
Transition to a More Efficient Parking System
The council's decision to move to cashless parking is driven by the goal of providing a more efficient payment method for residents and customers. According to officials, this change will also reduce the high transactional, maintenance, and contract costs associated with the existing parking infrastructure, which currently includes cash, card, and pay-by-phone options.
Data from the past year reveals that only 3% of payments in car parks and on-street parking were made in cash, with card payments accounting for 19% and 15% respectively. This low usage of cash has prompted the council to phase out the old system in favor of a digital approach.
Phased Removal of Parking Machines
The transition to cashless parking will be implemented gradually, with parking machines in car parks and on streets being removed over the next three to four months, starting at the end of March. Advanced warning signs will be installed in each car park prior to the removal of the machines to inform drivers of the upcoming changes.
Once the machines are gone, payments will be made exclusively through the RingGo service. Users can pay via the RingGo app or by calling a phone number and entering the car park code. For those who prefer to use cash or card, an alternative option will be available at nearby PayPoint locations, where payments can be made using the car park code and vehicle registration number as a reference.
Council Statement on the Changes
Councillor Paul Kelly, the lead member for planning, parking, highways, and transport, commented on the move in an official statement. He noted, "Many people have already been choosing to pay via RingGo in our car parks. Being able to pay quickly via the app, or by phone, will be more efficient and reliable, with no machine maintenance required."
Kelly added, "The car parking enforcement officers will have access to live data, which means their patrols can be more targeted. There is an alternative for those still wanting to pay using cash or card, with multiple PayPoints close by to the parking provision."
This change aligns with broader trends in urban transport management, aiming to streamline operations and adapt to increasing digital payment preferences among the public.
