Cambridge pay and display car parks will no longer accept cash.
Instead drivers will have to register with a pay-by-phone company 'RingGo' to use the four council run pay and display car parks at Adam and Eve Street car park, Castle Hill, Gwydir Street and Riverside.
Cambridge council said it had been forced to take action because of vandalism to its machines.
But some motorists have been frustrated by the new system.
Cambs Antique centre off Mill Road tweeted: “Gwydir St Car Park currently has no cash payments. Smartphone only app based payments. It has caused chaos for many people.”
A statement by the council says: “Due to criminal activity our pay-and-display car parks are no longer accepting cash.
“You will need to register with our pay-by-phone provider RingGo in order to use these car parks from now on.
“Alternative street parking bays are available whose meters accept cash.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
How does RingGo work?
According to Cambridge City Council's website RingGo is a simple to use service.
Users are charged 10p on top of the normal parking charge.
Optional text messages can be requested, these are charged at your normal operator rate and also; 20p for a confirmation text and 20p for a reminder text to let you know that your pre-paid parking session is about to run out.
These RingGo charges apply to Cambridge and may be vary in other places.
How to register with RingGo
The council is advising people to register before arriving at car parks.
You can register online HERE.
Clink on these links to download RingGo apps for iPhone, Android, Windows phone, Blackberry 10 and Mozilla Firefox (free of charge).
The app also lets you locate your nearest RingGo zone, manage your account and pay to park.
Or you can call 01223 853066 to register.
You will need your number plate, colour and make of your vehicle as well as your card payment details.
