Transactions using the pay-by-phone function shot up 80 per cent from December to January (15,000-27,000) and a further 30 per cent from February to March (27,000-35,000), proving Novocastrians are willing to embrace smart city technology.

From when the discount was introduced on January 1 to March 1, 62,000 transactions were made via the mobile phone application - more than double the 30,000 for the two months from November to December.

While transactions had already been increasing at a steady average of 20 per cent a month between March 2018, when EasyPark was introduced, and December, these latest figures show that the discounted trial is having a positive impact on drivers.

Not only are Novocastrians embracing this easy and cost-effective technology, they are preparing themselves for the launch of an Australian-first technology that will soon guide drivers to vacant parking spaces. From July, users of the EasyPark app will be able to log in and view the availability of parking spaces across the city. The six-month trial at the discounted price will run until at least June 31, at which point the city will review the program.

Download it via the Apple app store by typing EasyPark or at Google Play for Android users.