THERE is some good news for hard-pressed drivers in Southampton – thanks to the Daily Echo.

Plans to introduce the “wave and pay” cashless parking meters have been officially launched after a campaign by the self-styled “King of Scrappage”

Michael Nobes.

Southampton transport boss, Cllr Matt Dean has vowed to make the city the first place outside London to trial the technology – which works in a similar way to Oyster cards in the capital.

Mr Nobes, the managing director of Richmond Cars in West Quay Road, Southampton, called for urgent action to stop motorists being ripped off by parking meters that don’t give change in his column in the Daily Echo.

“The King of Scrappage brought to our attention how strongly people felt about pay-and-display meters that did not give change and we took note of the response from Echo readers,” said Cllr Dean.

Westminster Council is about to launch its pilot of wave and pay, and once that is completed the trial will begin in Southampton.

If it is proven to work, the technology, which does not require new ticket machines to be installed, could be rolled out to off-street car parks by April.

“I’m thrilled that Cllr Dean has listened to the concerns of ordinary drivers,” said Mr Nobes.

News of the scheme comes after it was revealed that motorists in Hampshire had paid out £5.6m in parking fines in 12 months – including £1.3m in Southampton.