Mobile Unified Communications Featured Article

Parkmobile USA, Inc., whose mobile app lets motorists to pay parking fee by phone, is gearing up to extend its service to 30 surface parking lots run by Preferred Parking in and around the uptown Charlotte area.

The service is scheduled to start May 9, the app maker announced.

Paying parking fees by phone is not only convenient, but it saves time and money for motorists.

Atlanta, Georgia-based Parkmobile’s app runs only on smartphones such as iPhone (News - Alert), Android, or Blackberry phones. All a customer needs to do is visit Parkmobile website and download the app into their handset. They can register for free by giving details about their vehicle’s license number.

After setting up the account, customers can immediately start using the system with their registered mobile phone.  Motorists can also select the option to receive text message alerts and reminders.

However, all parking meters will still accept coins for payment.iPhone users, according to Parkmobile, will be able to take advantage of the GPS functionality, saving up to 5 favorite zones and license plates and quick parking in the same zone and parking space that was used the last time you parked or select a new space in the same zone.

"The convenience of the Parkmobile service and ability for customers to have receipts for parking at locations that are not yet automated as well as providing them a quicker option for payment will be well-received and appreciated by our customers,” said Benjamin Sands, General Manager of Preferred Parking Services, adding that they have plans to extend the service to Asheville and Greensboro markets in the coming months.

"We are very pleased that Preferred Parking has chosen Parkmobile. We believe this alliance is another example of Parkmobile's position as the leading provider of parking payment technologies in the parking and transportation industry," said Greg Stormberg, COO of Parkmobile USA, Inc.

Preferred Parking Service represents more than 65 locations and 17,000 parking spaces in the greater Charlotte area.