DRIVERS are now able to tap and go at every council car park across the borough after the installation of new pay machines.

Following the decision to replace all the machines earlier this year, the installations began earlier this month and have now been completed.

It means that car parks in Andover now accept payment by contactless cards, smartphones and through cash and coins.

Head of property and asset management at Test Valley Borough Council, Simon Ellis, said: “We’re really pleased that the installations went smoothly and that all of our car parks now benefit from these new machines.

“It’s common knowledge that not everyone carries cash now and perhaps this can go some way to avoid that feeling of wondering if you have a spare pound coin lying around!

“Hopefully the machines will encourage people to stay longer in our town centres and continue to shop locally, too.”

The machines have been provided InaParc, the UK’s largest provider of high quality reconditioned Pay & Display machines and parts.

Sales director Paul Betteridge added: “We are delighted to be working with the council to deliver modern payment pay and display machines across Test Valley.

"InaParc are looking forward to many years of supporting the borough and its car park users."

As well as the new payment methods, RingGo will also continue to be offered in all council car parks.