Parking Machines in High St
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Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore was the first to use the new equipment and found it easy to operate. |
The first of Christchurch’s new Pay-and-Display parking machines started working in High Street late last month. The area between Manchester and Madras streets is being used to test the new machines.
The remainder of the city’s parking meters are being replaced and will start operating around the middle of the month. Each new machine covers about eight parking spaces, meaning the number of meters will drop from 1700 to about 400.
The meter replacement programme was to be done over six years but was speeded up because of the change in coinage expected this month. The new machines take the new 10-, 20- and 50-cent coins and will continue to take the old coins until 1 November.
The new machines also accept payment by credit card or cell-phone TXT, giving drivers greater flexibility in how they can pay for their parking.
Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore was the first to use the new equipment and found it easy to operate.
“You just select your payment option and follow the on-screen instructions, collect your receipt and place it on the passenger-side of your dashboard,” Mr Moore said.
The display receipt doubles as proof of purchase or expenditure for businesses.
It is important drivers remember to display the receipt (if they don’t, they can receive a $40 fine). However, if they are late in returning to their vehicle the fine is still $12 as now. Fines are set by Government legislation.
For txt or credit card payment there is a 50c surcharge — a fee charged by the administration company.
“The new machines offer an improved service for regulating short-term parking,” Mr Moore said. “However, if your stay in the central city is going to be an hour or more it may be easier to use our parking buildings, with the advantage of the first hour free at The Crossing, Lichfield, Manchester and Farmers parking buildings.”
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