Drivers parking in Gravesham will soon be able to pay by mobile phone.

Gravesham council says it wants to modernise the way people park, with mobile phones even warning motorists when their time is running out and allow them to top up.

The plan for payments on mobiles is part of a revamp of parking machines which have recently been targets of thieves and vandals.

Despite being emptied regularly, thefts from the machines have increased.

The council is now planning to get new parking machines which will be solar powered.

Council leader John Burden said: "We are taking the opportunity to modernise our parking payment methods to replace equipment and get a new system in place to help people to avoid fines.

"There has been an increasing amount of breakdowns, vandalism and theft which has inconvenienced many motorists and cost the council both in repairs and lost income.

"The council has heard the complaints from drivers about the old machines and we have fast-tracked the introduction of a pay-by-mobile system. The competitive tender process for the new machines will be done as soon as possible."

The council will be replacing the 42 pay machines and hopes to introduce the mobile phone payments by the autumn.