A more convenient way of paying for parking may soon be on the cards in Pembrokeshire.

Director of transportation Darren Thomas told cabinet members on Monday, July 2, that there were plans in the pipeline for trying out contactless paying systems in seven county car parks.

Car parking charges and provision across Pembrokeshire are due to be reviewed by a working group.

The issue came up at this week’s cabinet meeting with a notice of motion from Clr. Joshua Beynon regarding putting a free period in place at Gordon Street car park in Pembroke Dock.

It was recommended not to adopt Clr. Beynon’s notice, but discuss it further at the first working group meeting.

His proposal would cause a loss of £43,000 from the car park and put ‘pressure on the service’ a report states.

It adds that there is free parking at the nearby Western Way car park, Asda offers a refund for parking charges to shoppers and 30 minute ‘pop and shop bays’ have been installed.

Cabinet member for finance Clr. Bob Kilmister said: “We need to look at a consistent approach and move towards cashless systems but all that requires investment.

“Car parks could be more successful and financially viable if we went down a more modern route.”

During the meeting, Mr. Thomas said the department was mindful of the need to modernise but one of the main barriers was ‘capacity.’

There were also issues with connectivity and replacing machines which could cost in the region of £5,000 each.

A spokesman said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is looking at progressing with contactless card payment facilities at car parks in Tenby, Haverfordwest, Broad Haven, Newgale and Dale.

“The introduction of this facility is dependent on connectivity at these sites.”