A north-east town is to have its first pay and display on street parking.
Eight Metric solar power machines have been installed by Middlesbrough Council who have also recently upgraded older machines with seven new Accents in town centre shopper car parks.
Middlesbrough has a total of 32 Metric machines in centrally located car parks and all are linked through the ASLAN network.
ASLAN was installed last year to provide direct monitoring and assist with enforcement when the council decided to de-criminalise parking.
They believe the networked solar power pay and display machines on town centre streets will help with more effective enforcement and improve parking revenue.
Steve Webster, who is group leader parking solutions, said there was a high demand for a quick turnaround of parking in the town centre and tariffs would reflect the car parking charges generally.
A half hour on street stay would be costing a motorist 30p and it would be 60p for a maximum of an hour. Short stay car parks would shortly be £1.40 for two hours - £1.40 an hour thereafter – and £2.40 for all day.
He said the Metric machines were simple and easy to use and their ‘smart appearance’ on the street was also a factor that had been considered.
The council had improved the town centre with new paving and landscaping and the ‘look’ of street furniture was equally important.
“Metric is a very smart looking machine which will enhance the street furniture”, said Mr. Webster.
He added that solar power machines were part of a three-year contract between Middlesbrough and Metric and as on street parking was progressed pay and display would be introduced further out of the town
