Those familiar black parking kiosks in downtown Hartford are facing some competition. The Hartford Parking Authority is inviting the public to test out a new parking meter that could phase out the existing kiosks as well as updates to the kiosks themselves.
The two new options for smart meters will eliminate the need to display a receipt in the vehicle, as well as automatically shut off meter payment during the no-parking times, and on weekends and evenings after 6 p.m. when metered parking in Hartford is free.
Additionally, both new meter options will provide warnings to parkers about upcoming no-parking regulations on a block-by-block basis. In the event a citation is received, parkers will be able to pay for a citation at the meter.
Test meters are located on Trumbull, Allyn, and Lafayette streets. One option is the current black-colored, kiosk-style meter with a new operating system installed. The other option is a silver-colored bi-space meter (one meter “head” for two parking spaces).
Both test options will be identified by a “Meet Me!” logo. The testing period will be from Dec. 18 through the end of March 2016. During the testing period, the parking authority will also post mobile app widgets on its website that will allow consumers to experience each meter brand’s mobile phone application.
The parking authority is responsible for installation and maintenance of the 375 single-space meters and 258 multi-space, pay-and-display kiosks that regulate more than 1,800 on-street parking spaces throughout Hartford.
