Scrabbling for change in the car park could be a thing of the past if plans to introduce cashless systems go ahead.

A county council working group has been examining the car parking provision and charges across Pembrokeshire with eleven recommendations brought to Monday’s (February 11) meeting of cabinet.

Cashless options for payment were supported by the group but it recommended a machine that accepted both card and cash, with coin use being phased out over three years.

Clr. Paul Miller put forward an amendment that only cashless payment machines be introduced over the next two years and this was approved by the rest of the cabinet.

Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure Clr. Phil Baker said he saw the report as a “framework document” which would be used to direct officers as changes to car parking provision is made.

Clr. Miller said that the roll out of cashless solutions should commence immediately.

“Our car parking charges are cheap and that’s not the current barrier to people using out town centres, the current barrier is that it’s hugely inconvenient – you have to have change.”

Cashless machines will be up and running in North Beach Tenby, The Salterns Tenby, Marine Road Broad Haven, Dale, Newgale and Castle Lake Haverfordwest by the end of March.

Other recommendations made by the group included continuing to offer short and long stay options, making seasonal charges year round, and charging in free car parks as well as reviewing all current charges.

Clr. Cris Tomos said that consideration should be given to those that might not have a bank account, suggesting that the option of a Pembrokeshire contactless card be explored, to be used at all council facilities.

The use of barrier parking was worth considering said Clr. Bob Kilmister as it would cut down on the cost of enforcement because people “have to pay to get out.”

He added that investment was needed in the county’s car parks, especially Haverfordwest’s multi-storey.

Clr. Miller also asked that “bespoke trials” be held in certain areas considering parking permits with the flexibility to not comply with all council policies such as bay size or the amount of a street covered.

Cabinet backed the recommendations that a roll-out of electric car charging points be supported, free parking on weekends in December continues but free parking on a Sunday in Narberth was not endorsed by the group.

They also did not support charging in County Hall car park but the layout and reserved bays would be reviewed.