Parking meter

A parking meter is a device used to collect money in exchange for the right to park a vehicle in a particular place for a limited amount of time. By inserting coins into a currency detector slot or swiping a credit card or smartcard into a slot, and turning a handle (or pressing a key), a timer is set within the meter. Some places allow payment by mobile phone (to remotely record payments for subsequent checking and enforcement). A dial or display on the meter indicates how much time is remaining.

Related Topics:
Vehicle - Coin - Currency detector - Credit card - Smartcard - Mobile phone

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Parking meters are usually relatively small boxes attached to the top of a sturdy metal pole. They are exposed to the elements and to vandals so protection of the device and its cash contents is a priority.

Related Topics:
Elements - Vandal - Cash

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In many cities, all parking meters are designed to use only one coin. If you try to use other coins, the meters will not work and may cease to function altogether.

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Parking meters are usually seen along the curb of a street, but are sometimes used within parking garages as well. The world's first installed parking meter was in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 16, 1935. They were invented by Carl Magee.

Related Topics:
Street - Parking garage - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - July 16 - 1935 - Carl Magee

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Alternatives to parking meters are

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ticket machines (for dashboard display of proof of payment) and machines to accept and electronically record payment by stall number, (known in New York City as the Muni Meter). This was experimented in Houston, Texas in response to a revised city ordinance for Saturday-enforced metered parking.

Related Topics:
Ticket machine - New York City - Muni Meter

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