MOTORISTS in West Somerset could be picking up their phones instead of their wallets to pay for parking with the launch of a new cashless payment service.

The 'phone and pay' system is being rolled out across 15 council-run car parks in the district, allowing people to phone or text their location, length of stay and payment card details instead of finding change to put in a ticket machine.

Motorists will have to register to use the service and once the parking has been paid, no ticket is required, although an optional reminder is offered to make sure no-one goes over their paid stay.

Cllr Karen Mills, whose responsibilities on West Somerset Council include car parking, said the system had been successful elsewhere in the country.

"We decided it was time that West Somerset adopted it too," she said.

"Not only will it make the last minute search for change a thing of the past, it will also be a help to our local business community and work towards our goal of supporting business and the local economy.

"Cashless parking is a much more flexible system which will provide a quick, easy and safe way for motorists to pay for parking sessions via their mobile phone, in addition to the existing pay and display machines which will remain in place.

"We hope it will encourage motorists to stay for longer and enjoy what West Somerset has to offer."

The system will be provided by Bemrose Mobile and a spokesman for the company said thatr once motorists had used it for the first time, their details would be retained for future use.

Drivers wishing to extend their stay need only phone or text again to add on time.

The new system will be officially launched today (Friday) in the Summerland Road car park in Minehead.