POTTSVILLE — New parking meters and the ability to use an app to pay for parking may be coming to Pottsville.
The Pottsville Parking Authority authorized John Levkulic, parking authority engineer, to solicit quotes for replacing about 400 of the approximate 600 meters in the city. The general area for the new meters will be from Mauch Chunk Street up to Harrison Street and from Progress Avenue up to Sixth Street, Levkulic said.
“Where there are meters, there will be new meters to allow them to put coins (in addition to using an app)” Levkulic said.
If drivers do not have a smart phone, they can call an 800 number and speak to someone giving them their information such as license plate number and credit card information.
Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney said it was his understanding that the meters that are not being replaced will also be able to use the app or coins.
Levkulic is calling various businesses for quotes. He will provide an update to the parking authority board at its February meeting. The parking authority would likely take out a short-term loan for the cost, he said.
Of the approximate 600 meters, at least half are mechanical while the others are digital. Time is running out on the useful life of the meters.
“I’m guessing the mechanical meters are over 30 years old,” Levkulic said.
He estimated the digital meters are at least 20 years old.
“If a meter breaks, I do not have a meter to put in its space,” he said.
Replacing all the meters might be very costly, Levkulic said. A figure was not provided.
The parking authority voted last year for an app by Parkmobile. Parking rates will stay the same as they are now except there will be a small convenience fee, Levklulic said.
“On every meter there will be a little app sticker,” Levkulic said.
The sticker might have a QR code that drivers can scan to put in information. The city will be one designated zone, meaning after drivers enter their license plate number and if they leave a space, they can use that remaining time soon thereafter at another area in the city.
“You will have the ability to take your money with you with the app,” Levkulic said.
A date was not provided when the app and meters could be up and running.
There are no meters in Garfield Square. City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said previously the city would not replace the meters in the square. In the area of the square, signs will be posted saying people need to use the app to pay for parking.
Levkulic emphasized, “Every parking spot will be enforced.”
“If we find that an app doesn’t work out, I think that we will make a decision for the future that maybe we should install meters there,” Levkulic said.
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