There has been a recent influx of increased parking rates across the country. Commissioners are approving increases and the additional revenue is expected to be used for development of new infrastructures and town renovations.

How is this going to impact motorists? Well, some believe increased rates will discourage people from coming out whereas new improvements will attract more people...but at what cost?

In downtown Indianapolis solar powered meters are being installed with various payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and 'old fashioned' coins. This will ease the transaction and your purse will not be weighed down with quarters, nickels, and dimes. You will be able to put your time in and swipe your card and make time adjustments. However, you will incur an increase in per hour rates from 75¢ to $1.00 and parking hours will be increased from M-F 7 a.m. to 6 p.m to M-Sat 7 a.m. through 9 p.m.

Local store owners are concerned that these changes will cause shoppers to drive past and go somewhere with cheaper parking terms, IndyChannelNews.com; "it is an obstacle to shopping," said Natalie Canull, who owns Mass Ave Toys. "We have huge weekends because there are no meter fees on the weekends. (It's) very frustrating."
Some drivers said they won't change their habits, but feel they're being nickeled and dimed.
"If it helps the city, I would do it, but it feels like more and more the little guy is getting hit from all angles," said Audrey Alexander.”

A local resident in Rehoboth Beach Delaware believes, “the higher parking fees will deter people from visiting downtown Rehoboth.”

Commissioners promote using the revenues to build up sidewalks and streets, add additional parking facilities and lots and make the towns a better, cleaner place to live.

Why should motorist pay increased costs when this change will streamline the parking payment process and decrease the collection time, especially with credit card payments? A perfect reference to this is the recent PA turnpike toll increase. Turnpike rates have gone up, but EZ Pass customers are now motivated to use this service as the toll rates are slightly lower than cash customers. The toll process is more efficient with the use of this system and less toll booth operators are required, therefore operating costs go down.

The more credit cards used for parking meters, the more time will be saved for collecting and calculating revenue. While we understand the township will improve our streets and infrastructure, we should be awarded for making their jobs easier and more efficient as well.
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Leigh Merz

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  1. This is upsetting because the city of Rehoboth Beach already has major parking issues. I have a page on my tourist site about city of Rehoboth parking tips because new visitors won't have a clue about how anything works.
    My concern is that the meters were recently changed and more money is already needed to park downtown near the beach and boardwalk. If we raise this anymore, it's really going to turn people off. This goes for any small tourist areas with metered parking!

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