EIGHT car parks around Malvern run by the district council have already been converted to accept the new pound coin, which comes into use today (Tuesday).

The ticket machines at the car parks at Belle Vue, Grange Road North, Grange Road South, Victoria Road, Priory Road North, Priory Road South (bottom), Priory Road South (middle) and Geraldine Road will accept the new 12-sided coin.

Machines in car parks at 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in Upton are still to be converted, but the council says they will all be done by October, when the old coin will be withdrawn.

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. The old coin is susceptible to forgery, with about three per cent of all £1 coins in Britain estimated to be forgeries.

Alternatively, motorists can use the council’s pay-by-mobile-phone service by texting the word PARK and their registration number to 60300. It is also possible to register online and there is 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.”