ParkChicago, a new app that gives drivers the option to pay for metered street parking with a mobile phone, has introduced a pilot programme in West Loop, Chicago, US.

As part of the trial, drivers in the pilot area will be able to pay to park without having to visit a meter box, display a dashboard receipt or return to feed the meter when their time is about to expire.

Drivers will receive alerts before the meter expires, and can extend their time remotely.

Meter boxes will remain in place, providing drivers with multiple ways to pay for parking, including coins, credit and debit cards.

"Drivers will receive alerts before the meter expires, and can extend their time remotely."

Chicago Parking Meters CEO Dennis Pedrelli said: "People today are busier than ever and are looking for new features and more convenience when it comes to getting into and around the city.

"The ability to pay for and extend parking while on-the-go, whether that means sticking around longer for dessert at a restaurant or not having to worry about running out of a business meeting early, is a great service for our customers, and we look forward to rolling it out across the city."

The pilot area is bound by Madison Street to the north, Monroe Street to the south, Halsted Street to the east and Racine Avenue to the west.

ParkChicago noted that the pilot area was selected for its density and volume of street parking, as well as its mix of commercial and residential development.

ParkChicago plans to eventually expand to offer mobile payment convenience at all 36,000 metered parking spaces throughout Chicago. New street signs displaying the ParkChicago logo will alert drivers to the service’s availability.

To use ParkChicago, customers must first set up an account linked to a major credit or debit card by using the app, going online to the company’s website or through their mobile phone.