Parking meters that accept credit cards are becoming increasingly common, a change that is much-appreciated by drivers that have become accustomed to carrying large amounts of coins with them everywhere they go in order to feed the hungry meters. In fact, just this month, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills added the meters to their streets.
According to West Hollywood public information officer Tamara White, the new meters used the same type of encryption technology that banks use to keep credit card information safe. In addition, if meters get jammed, a wireless message is instantly sent to city staff members so they can be fixed.
The main drive behind installing the new parking meters was quite simple – the director of parking operations in Beverly Hills, Chad Lynn, wanted to make life easier for motorists. After all, fumbling through an ashtray for loose change or running into a store to get a few coins is quite inconvenient. In addition, some drivers admit that they just don’t stop if they don’t have the money on hand. Therefore, parking meters capable of accepting credit cards just might help local businesses as well.
These new parking meters are the first in the country to offer single-space parking with the convenience of credit card payment. Other California cities, including San Francisco and Sacramento, do have multiple-space parking meters that accept credit cards. Beverly Hills and West Hollywood decided to go with the single-space model because drivers are simply more comfortable with this set up. In addition, technicians were able to simply switch out the new technology on the already-existing posts.
According to officials of the cities, the new meters cost about the same as the more traditional parking meter style. In addition, officials expect this new model to save money because, if more motorists choose to use plastic over coins, they will not have to pay as much for upkeep of the meters. For example, there won’t be a need for someone to routinely collect and bag the coins.
West Hollywood is currently undergoing a month long pilot program with the new meters, after which time they will decide if they want to keep them or if they want to order more. Officials have already stated, however, that they may start installing the meters earlier if drivers seem happy with the change. Beverly Hills, on the other hand, will pilot the meters for six months and will then put the issue to a City Council vote.
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