Parking Meter Technology
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Replacing outdated meters with new technology meters that make parking in Uptown convenient and create a better overall user experience. New meters provide increased payment options, a networked meter system, and environmental benefits.
PROJECT GOALS
- Improve management of the existing parking resource through flexible rates and times that target 85% utilization and suit local needs.
- Increase convenience of parking by providing modern payment options, such as debit and credit card.
- Reduce environmental impact by replacing battery powered meters with clean solar energy.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Problems With Existing Meters
Existing meters accept only coin and pre-paid Parking Meter Cards and run on 9-Volt batteries. These batteries must be replaced every six to nine months, creating hazardous waste that the City must pay to dispose. The meters do not have a centralized computer system and require users to call to report meter malfunctions. These issues create frustration for drivers.
Benefits of New Meter Technology
New meter technology allows payment by Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards, Parking Meter Cards, and coins. Both the Cale and IPS meter systems run on solar energy. The meters communicate wirelessly to a centralized meter management system in real time. This system allows the City to efficiently repair broken meters and respond to problems that users encounter. This centralized system will also provide data vital to implement flexible rates and times intended to ease parking pressure in over-utilized areas and disperse parking according to need.
Types of Meters
Multi-space Meters
The City of San Diego conducted a 9-month pilot program in 2006 to test multi-space meter technology, installing Cale Pay-and-Display meters in locations throughout the city, including on University Avenue at Richmond Street. The Pay-and-Display* system was well received, and the City plans to install Cale Pay-by-Space systems (which do not require users to place receipts on their dash) where possible. Multi-space meters typically replace 8-10 meter poles, freeing up sidewalk space. *Please note that existing Pay-and-Display meters cannot credit time back to pre-paid Parking Meter Cards due to the receipt function.
A Pay-by-Space meter has been installed on the newly reconstructed Normal Street Median. This meter allows drivers who use a pre-paid Parking Meter Card to retrieve remaining time, while providing drivers without a pre-paid card with the convenience of paying by either Visa or Mastercard. Please note that you cannot retrieve unused time with a Visa or Mastercard payment.
Single-space Meters
In 2009, the City of San Diego began testing replacement technology in areas where multi-space meters are impractical. The IPS meter system uses existing meter poles and housing, reducing the amount of waste generated by switching systems. In Uptown, these meters are being tested along Fourth Avenue between University and Robinson. These meters accept Visa, Mastercard, pre-paid parking meter cards, and coin. Drivers using a pre-paid Parking Meter Card can retrieve remaining time to their cards by simply re-inserting their card, providing there is 6 minutes remaining on the meter.
To add time to the IPS meter using a pre-paid Parking Meter Card, insert the card face up in the card slot. The meter will display 1:30, use the up or down arrows to increase or decrease the desired length of stay, then press the enter key to finalize the transaction.