I was reviewing my “yahoo” list of stories about parking issues around the world and one thing again jumped out at me. Just as I commented a few months ago, public entities are looking to parking to increase their income, down due to the depressed values of real estate.
At least one article in four was about either parking rates increasing, fines increasing, parking taxes increasing or cities turning up the heat on scofflaws. There is a reason for this and it’s unrelated to parking policy. Cities need money and parking fees, taxes and fines are a way to get it.
In addition to making life more difficult for citizens going about their daily lives and of course making life difficult for the public relations folks dealing with the parking departments, this phenomenon has one bright side. Equipment suppliers are having a heyday.
Companies that supply equipment and systems used to collect fines and fees (this includes pay by cell phone, pay by space/display, meters, revenue control, and companies that provide collection and ticketing services) are in great demand.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
JVH
One Response
Actually raising prices on metered parking should make spots come available more often and therefore easier for people.