Monday, June 17, 2013

MAKING MUNI-METERS MORE USER FRIENDLY


This x=came in from Councilman Oliver Koppell's office

 
  On June 12, 2013, the City Council approved a bill, co-sponsored by Council Member Oliver Koppell, a member of the Transportation Committee, which would deactivate muni-meters when parking rules are not in effect or receipt paper is not available. Since muni-meters have universally replaced single-space meters throughout the city, motorists have increasingly complained that they have lost money at these meters. This occurs when drivers who are unaware of, or who misunderstand, meter regulations pay the meter at times when parking meter rules are not in effect. The muni-meter accepts the payment even though the driver was not required to pay for parking at that time, causing him/her to lose money unnecessarily.
  Drivers may also lose money when the meter fails to print a receipt.  Since muni-meters are not equipped to dispense refunds in such a situation, the driver must go to another muni-meter on the block and pay again in order to obtain the required receipt.
  In order to rectify the situation, the Council bill requires DOT to program each muni-meter so that it is unable to accept payment from the last time in a day that parking meter rules are in effect until one hour prior to the next time meter rules are in operation. The measure would further require DOT to program all muni-meters to reject payment when the meter is unable to print a timed receipt.

“The Council has already passed mini-meter legislation that benefits motorists. This bill will create additional protections and help make parking in New York City less onerous.” Koppell said.


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