CAR PARKING in Geelong is undergoing yet more changes – this time with new solar-powered meters, updated security for credit cards and an app to let users pay by phone.
Weekend parking might be free but two-hour parking limits have been reduced to one hour at sites across the CBD this week, and fees have recently raised from $2 an hour to $2.50 an hour.
Now, however, a series of upgrades will make parking more user-friendly, according to City Hall.
The upgrades will see 252 existing machines modified and 25 new machines installed.
Added sim cards and modems are tipped to provide greater reliability for parking meters, with the installation of higher voltage solar panel chargers adding further reliability.
Other refinements will include:
- The installation of alphanumeric panels to enable the effective management of on-street permit administration.
- Automatic reminders and prompts to prevent parkers from overstaying and inadvertently receiving an infringement.
- New ‘PayWave’ panels for quick and easy payment including the ability to top up meters by remote access.
The rollout of the new software will be completed 14 November and operational on 21 November.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said the upgrades would provide added security for credit card users with the installation of security chip readers technology that would be Eftpos, Visa and Mastercard-compliant.
“The new technology will also enable motorists to remotely extend their parking transactions if they are parked within the displayed parking period,” he said.
‘PayWave’ would be commissioned as soon as the Westpac Bank obtained the necessary accreditation, in around six months, he said.
“Meanwhile it will be ‘business as usual’ in terms of paying by cash or credit card until such time that all of the machines are upgraded and commissioned,” he said.
“Stickers are being placed on all machines advising customers of this and the fact that the ‘wave and pay’ technology is arriving soon, contingent on the Westpac accreditation.”
