DRIVERS in Salisbury will soon be able to pay by card in council-run car parks.

As part of a £380,000 investment in county car parks, Wiltshire Council is updating ticket machines at locations it runs, which include Brown Street and Culver Street.

The new machines will allow drivers to pay by contactless payment, as well as using cash. People can also continue to pay using the MiPermit app or by text.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, said: “In the coming months, it will be easier for people who are using Wiltshire Council car parks to pay for their parking using cash, contactless card or mobile device, or using the MiPermit app.

“This parking machine upgrade programme is part of a £380,000 investment into our car parks and will significantly improve the customer experience when visiting out vibrant and diverse retail centres while also helping us to deliver our Business Plan commitment to have well-connected communities.

“The new machines will be solar or sustainably powered, which will also help to meet our climate commitments.

“Over the last two years, we have reviewed the locations of our parking machines, installing ramps and ensuring the machines will be positioned allowing easier access for all users.

“The upgraded machines will be installed over the next few months, with installation prioritised in those car parks where the machines have been highlighted as more liable to break down and needing repairs.

“We look forward to seeing the new machines up and running and hope these new payment machines will help make the process of paying for parking much easier for customers.”

Other machines will remain available to take payments while the new devices are installed.

The first machines will be installed in Marlborough and Malmesbury, with upgrades in Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Salisbury, Westbury and other towns following later.