Pay and display parking coming to Takapuna

June 13, 2006

Paying for on-street parking will from next week be a lot easier for motorists heading to Takapuna's retail and business areas.

All 485 of central Takapuna's ageing coin-operated parking meters will be replaced from Sunday (June 18) to Wednesday (June 21), with up to 65 new pay and display machines. The new solar-powered wireless technology will allow motorists to pay for parking by credit card or text message, as well as coins.

The Reserve Bank's introduction in July of smaller 10c, 20c and 50c pieces, as well as the removal of 5c coins from our currency, prompted the council to swiftly move to introduce the pay and display machines.

North Shore City's group manager - project maintenance and operations, Mike Griffiths, says motorists will be able to use one of the three convenient payment methods to nominate how long they want to park, before a ticket is automatically printed. The driver then displays this ticket on the vehicle's dashboard.

"The old parking meters are reaching their use-by date, with many needing regular repair. The new system will be more reliable and convenient for everyone," says Mr Griffiths.

"The new pay and displays, along with the work undertaken by our Parksafe team, will help ensure there is a fair turnover of available parking in the Takapuna CBD."

The parking fee remains $1 per hour. There is a 50 cent surcharge for text and credit card transactions. Failing to display a ticket will incur a $40 fine.

Machine suppliers, Albany-based Cash Handling Systems, have previously supplied Auckland City Council with more than 700 pay and display machines.

ENDS

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