This idea is a spin off of Shafi's bill for parking instead of fines. To summarize Shafi's idea, instead of sending parking fines, send a bill. I see some flaws with that idea but it brings up some great ideas for improvements, such as the ability to park your car even though you don't have quarters on you.
Instead of having to put money into meters, why not have a debit system to pay. Perhaps an E-ZPass type system could be used where you swipe your card or pass and then you are billed for the time used. The meter would still regulate time limits but it would allow people to park without getting change and it would also save municipalities on salaries for the people who collect the change from the meters.
I agree
No opinion
I disagree
Add your comment
AFAIK, the purpose of metering and fines, is to discourage long term parking. What could be done is have fines built into rates over say, 3 hours, EG, $0.25/hr under 3 hours,, $5/hr after, plus a fine of $10 or so.
re: saving on municipality payroll, coin collectors could be eliminated, but would need to be replaced by people to service the more complex card/pass readers so you're hiring someone with a higher skill set/training (read payscale) that might not work as often. It might just balance out but I suspect it would cost much more for the city to eliminate need for coins. just remember to carry some coins in your car and save the city and yourself $$$$$! I'm all for inventions that save people time and effort but not for the effort of plain old thinking.
Classicsat, what is AFAIK?
In Redwood City, California, they have parking meters that take debit cards. They started installing them several months ago.