‘Smart’ meters

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About the city. There are approximately 11,000 fee-payable on-street parking bays across the City of Melbourne. Hourly fees are not the same. It depends on the availability and demand for parking in each area.

Goal

The changes are aimed at a more comfortable way to pay for parking. Previously, drivers had to pay at a certain parking meter, but now it is possible to do it where it is more convenient.

Implementation period. New ‘smart’ meters are introduced throughout the central city in November 2017.

Fact

Three years ago, the parking meters did not support the function of non-cash payment.

Solutions

Special parking meter with a new set of features.

What are the benefits of the new meters?

They include touch screens and ‘tap and go’ credit card functionality.
Drivers pay for the bay they’re parked in, allowing them to pay at whichever meter is most convenient to a driver.
No ticket is issued.
Drivers can pay for parking using a special app — Paystay.

Challenges

Problem. What if the meter is not working?

Solution. Important to use another meter in the same parking area to pay. Otherwise, a driver could expect a fine. Moreover, a driver should report the fault by following the instructions on the meter.