DRIVERS using ten of Oxford's off-street car parks will soon be able to call a new phone system so they don't have to carry change to pay-and-display.

From Monday, the RingGo system is being installed at the city council-run car parks, including Gloucester Green and Worcester Street.

The council claims it is transforming its phone parking service to save drivers time and money.

RingGo replaces the pay-by-phone service tested at some city centre car parks during the past 12 months.

When RingGo was introduced by First Great Western at the railway station car park in Becket Street last May, it caused confusion for some commuters, who said they did not like reading out their bank details on crowded platforms.

But Andrew Bradfield- Barnes, the council's parking manager, said drivers would still be able to pay-and-display.

He said: "There will be a 20p convenience charge to use the RingGo service, so it will cost marginally more than pay-and-display, but they have the convenience of not having to hunt around for change.

"If they need to stay longer for a meeting, or for shopping, they can call back and top up the time they need.

"There are no plans to phase out pay-and-display, but this new system gives people a handy alternative way of paying."

Mr Bradfield-Barnes explained drivers' registration numbers would be listed on a RingGo website so that parking attendants could check the database.

From Monday, Oxford drivers should call 01865 898900 to pay for their stay.

Leaflets will be given to regular pay-by-phone users to explain the changes and new signs and posters are in place at all car parks.

Details are also available on the council's website www.oxford.gov.uk.

Mr Bradfield-Barnes added: "The same system is now offered in more than 40 car parks in the county.

RingGo will operate at Gloucester Green, Worcester Street, Oxpens, Abbey Place, St Clements, Ferry Pool in Summertown, Old High Street in Headington, St Leonard's Road, Headington, and Union Street.