Vodafone and London-based developer AppyParking have partnered for a trial of a new app-based car parking system that enables users to simply park without the need for tickets or meters.

The trial uses a combination of Vodafones Drivexone device, developed by its innovation department Xone, and the AppyParking app. I was trialled by Westminster City Council and Pimlico Plumbers, who put the system through its paces over the course of the last month.

Once parked, drivers simply confirm their location and being a parking session with one click on their smartphone, and when they are ready to leave, they simply drive away. Drivers then receive an email confirming the parking duration and charges, which are automatically paid.

The system eliminates the risk of expired tickets and parking fines, and ensures drivers only pay for the time they are actually parked. It also provides users with real-time information on where there are spaces around the city.

“Drivexone turns any car into a sensor and will provide drivers with a range of diagnostic data about their journeys as well as enabling innovative applications like this one,” said Americo Lenza, head of Xone. “Its great to see Drivexone used for this innovative trial which shows the potential to improve the parking experience for both consumers and businesses.”

“This app has the potential to save Pimlico Plumbers £100,000 a year,” said Charlie Mullins, chief executive and founder of Pimlico Plumbers. “It will also improve efficiency and save time, all of which will benefit the service we provide to our customers.”