New parking meters to get instructions

Wednesday, 1 May 2024

It’s been two months since Hamilton’s coin parking meters were replaced by electronic ones and there’s still plenty asking how they work.

Hamilton City Council transport unit director Gordon Naidoo said he understands that new technologies aren’t easy.

“I know that technology is hard and people struggle with it, myself included.”

But he said the team is constantly assessing public feedback, and are looking into ways to help everyone get their hands onto the new meters.

One of the biggest changes is that now Hamiltonians have to register their plate number even for the two hours of free parking.

Naidoo said the council understands adapting change takes time and will not be punishing anyone who didn’t do so before May 6.

“The council is keen to give time to introduce the technology. Our approach is education first before enforcement.”

Hamilton City Council transport unit director Gordon Naidoo said the council will put out more materials to help people understand the new meters.

The latest education material includes posters and 50 footpath decals directing people to a nearby parking meter.

However, on complaints over the distance someone has to walk from their car to the meters, Naidoo said the new machines’ cost means the council can’t afford as many meters as they wish for.

With limited number of meters, meter locations were decided based on traffic movements and utilities underneath the footpath such as power cables.

This means the number of meters and distance between each meter will vary from street to street, Naidoo said.

A Google Earth list of all parking meter locations is made available by the council to help those finding their nearest meter.

The unit director admitted that he had not used the new meters yet, but said the mobile application is what he would recommend.

Currently, the PayMyPark app is being used by 18 councils across the country, and accepts debit and credit card payments.

While the app currently suggests a charge for parking less than two hours, Naidoo said the charge won’t be applied at a later step, and the team will look into the issue with the app’s developer.