The days of fumbling for small change in the bottom of the glove box are over now that you can use your mobile to pay for parking your car in Perth.

The City of Subiaco is currently running a six-month trial of the system called iPark, which allows registered users to pay for their parking with their mobile phone.

Developed by leading technology company iTouch and Optus, the iPark solution for The City of Subiaco makes it simple and easy for customers to pay for parking using their mobile.

Mr Chris Lane, Director of Strategy, Optus Mobile said the iPark solution is unique for two reasons - firstly it isn't carrier specific, and secondly it will work with both pre-paid and post paid plans. The result is that any mobile user in Australia can register to use it.

"We're taking the frustration out of having to worry if you are with the right carrier to pay for your parking. Our aim is to make it as simple as possible."

Users register for the service by providing their mobile phone and motor vehicle registration details. They are given a unique bar-coded windscreen sticker for their car.

When parking they simply enter the zone ID code displayed on parking signs as well as the desired payment amount, using a normal call or sending an SMS.

"With iPark, the customer will get an SMS alert message five minutes before their parking is due to expire giving them the opportunity to top-up their parking amount with a reply SMS," Mr Lane said.

"For consumers iPark offers convenience, for the City they get cost savings and accurate information about the use of their services," Mr Lane said.

Mr Tony Williamson, Manager Ranger Services for the City of Subiaco said, "It is vital for us to provide simple, efficient and effective parking management for our customers.

"Through this trial, we hope to gain a real time understanding of how our parking bays are being used, where we need more and where we need less - this type of information will help us offer customers better overall service."

Mr Cliff Rosenberg, Managing Director, iTouch said, the technology also has the potential to save money because Councils don't need special new equipment and can better manage their revenue.

"Using iPark reduces the need to collect money from parking meters, reduces the wear and tear and reduces the costs involved in issuing tickets."

The iPark system is currently running alongside Subiaco's existing parking infrastructure. At the end of six months, the City will evaluate the trial.

Although other parking initiatives have been launched in Australia using mobile telephones, they still use specially modified ticket machines and parking meters, the innovation of iPark is that it presents a totally 'virtual solution' using zone numbering and handheld devices.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: (02) 9342 5042