Published Monday, 23 January 2012
The cashless scheme, which was introduced in Belfast a year ago, allows registered drivers to pay for parking by making a brief phone call before leaving their vehicle and then another on their return.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy believes the initial trial has already proved successful.
"Nearly 40,000 calls have been recorded since the scheme's introduction last February - a clear indication that motorists have benefited from using the Belfast service," he said.
"It makes sense to give other towns which have pay-and-display parking the same opportunity to make use of the scheme."
The pay-by-phone system means no longer having to guess how long you will need to park, risking either a parking ticket or paying too much, or having to return to put more money in a meter.
Traffic attendants know who has paid up by entering the vehicle registration into a live database.
Payments - which include a 15p administration fee - are simply taken from a credit or debit card at the end of the month.
Motorists can use the system by making a phone call, going online or via one of the Parkmobile apps on iPhone, Blackberry or Android devices.
"We know that, when it comes to cashless parking, it's important not to try to be a one size fits all company," Peter O'Driscoll from Parkmobile, who supply the system, said.
"Customers vary greatly in their use of technology and their parking needs and it is important that we have a broad approach and appeal to all user groups.
"Accessing the system by mobile phone is still the most popular method, but we continue to see strong growth in users choosing to start and stop their cashless parking action through one of our apps - making the process quick and simple, and avoiding the need to search for coins."
Motorists can register for the trial service over the phone (028 9575 7988) or on the Parkmobile website.