EASTLEIGH residents will be able to manage their parking permits more easily with a "quicker and improved" digital service.

Introduced by the borough council, it will be offering parking permit holders the opportunity to buy and manage their permits online.

Over 4,000 parking permits are purchased each year in the Borough and the new scheme will offer residents a service with greater flexibility in how they use their permits.

There are 11 residential parking zones in the borough with nine in Eastleigh town centre together with Chandlers Ford and Hamble where eligible residents can purchase a permit.

The permits will give residents a more time efficient and flexible way to manage, renew and pay online and purchase last-minute visitor permits when required.

As the permits are virtual they can no longer be lost or stolen which saves residents the cost and inconvenience of applying for a replacement.

They cannot fall from view either, so it avoids the risk of receiving a penalty charge notice for failing to clearly display a permit.

The council will also have much greater control over the permits in circulation as the system reduces the possibility of fraud as permits cannot be lost or stolen creating more parking space for actual residents.

Cabinet lead for transport Cllr David Airey said:

“The virtual permits will make it even quicker and easier for our customers to purchase and manage their parking permits online and residents will have much greater flexibility."

He added: "It is important we look at ways of using technology to add value to a service and these new virtual permits are a win-win. Residents will benefit from an enhanced online service and the council benefits from a quicker online process and will no longer have to print and distribute paper permits."