PREPARATIONS are well underway in Malvern for the introduction of the new £1 coin.
Eight of the 14 car parks owned by Malvern Hills District Council have already been converted to take the new 12 sided coin which entered circulation today (Tuesday).
The remainder will be converted over the next few months ready for October when the old pound coin will be withdrawn and begin to disappear from wallets, purses and pockets.
Signs are being put up around the council’s car parks so motorists know which machines will and will not take the new £1 coin.
Car parks with machines that already accept the new £1 coin are Belle Vue, Grange Road North, Grange Road South, Victoria Road, Priory Road North, Priory Road South (bottom), Priory Road South (middle) and Geraldine Road.
Machines in car parks in Edith Walk, The Council House, Brunel House, Teme Street in Tenbury, New Street in Upton and Hanley Road in Upton are still to be converted.
Alternatively, motorists can take advantage of the council’s pay by mobile phone service.
All people have to do is text the word ‘PARK’ and their registration number to 60300 and they will receive instructions on what to do next.
It is also possible to register online and there is also a smartphone app.
Phil Merrick, head of economy and communities for Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We’ll be doing everything we can to ensure motorists are informed during this transition period while the new £1 coin is fully introduced into circulation and the old £1 coin phased out.
“However, if people do not want the hassle of having to hunt for change and the right coin then our pay by mobile service is quick and convenient to use and offers advantages over paying with cash, including being able to pay for more parking without having to return to the car park and put more money in the machine.”
The new £1 coin includes a number of new security features and the Royal Mint claims it is the most secure coin in the world.
It has been introduced to replace the old £1 coin which is increasingly being forged.
About three per cent of all £1 coins in Britain are forgeries.
