PAYING for parking in York is now as easy as making a phone call.

City of York Council's scheme to allow people to pay and display using their mobile phones was launched by transport boss Counc Ann Reid.

The scheme, run by a company called Verrus, will allow motorists at council car parks to pay and even receive text reminders before their "virtual" tickets expire.

People who want to take part in the scheme will need a valid credit or debit card with their vehicle registration number and will pay a 10p service charge for parking fees of less than £2 and 20p for tickets of £2 or over.

Updated: 09:33 Saturday, November 19, 2005