A 'PAY by phone parking' service has been introduced to Burnley town centre car parks.

Drivers can download the MiPermit app on their smartphone and buy a ticket.

The service enables them to extend the time allowed remotely and there will be no need to display a ticket.

All the town centre car parks, excluding Victoria, behind the town hall, will offer the service as well as cash payments.

The council is planning to offer the service on its own car parks in Towneley Park at a later date.

Cllr Lian Pate, the council’s executive member for community services, said: "The scheme means motorists don’t have to scrabble around for the right change when they get to the ticket machine on our car parks.

"It gives them another option on how to pay, and the opportunity to extend their stay without having to go back to their car.

“Similar schemes are in operation in other towns across the country and have proved successful.

"We’ve decided to introduce the service following an increasing number of requests from the public."

Payments can be made by credit or debit card and a text reminder for expiring tickets will be available.

There is also the option to pre-pay for up to seven days parking in advance.