NEW technology could make rushing back to the car with a half-finished shopping list a thing of the past, it is hoped.

The Wollaston Field car park has been selected to pilot a barrierless parking scheme for a year.

It is hoped that the new technology will be in place in time for Easter and will allow shoppers to pay for parking by phone and card or set up an online account.

Dorchester BID’s Phil Gordon said this will mean that once a car is registered, the owner can drive in and out of the car park without paying there and then.

He said this will reduce the stress for shoppers who have to ‘cut their plans in town short to get back to their cars before the ticket runs out’.

He added: “The BID overwhelmingly supports the initiative for pay on exit parking.

“It’s something we have been asking for since 2008. It will make it much easier for people to come into the town.

“For those who are able to use computers, you set up an account and you can simply drive in and out of Dorchester’s car parks, not worry about it, and the system debits your account without you having to do anything.”

The leader of West Dorset Distrcit Council, Robert Gould, said: “There are all sorts of advantages to barrierless parking.

“We have been working closely with the Dorchester BID and it’s something they have been keen on for quite a long time now.

“We want to step away from the business of people rushing back to their cars thinking: ‘Time’s running out and I’m going to get a fine’.

“That scenario stops them from spending money in the town.”