Long Beach will have a new way to pay for parking come later this month when the city begins replacing 1,114 coin-only parking meters with smart solar-powered parking meters that accept coins, debit and credit cards in downtown Long Beach, according to a statement from the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA).
Following a city council vote for the meters in December, the installations in Downtown are expected to occur over a period of four weeks, beginning the week of April 20. The city estimates that about 350 to 400 meters will be replaced per week, according to the DLBA.
“More and more people are using debit and credits cards for purchases rather than carrying change,” according to the DLBA’s website. “Smart meters allow customers to pay for parking with a credit or debit card if they choose, but also allow for payment with coins.”
The meters will range from $1 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the area. While the prices are an increase from the current hourly rates, which range between 50 cents and $1, the increases are necessary to offset the cost of the new meters, installation, maintenance and credit card transaction fees. Enforcement hours will remain the same.
Smart meters will also conveniently offer visitors five minutes of free parking with the press of a button.
The city is also planning to install smart meters in Belmont Short and The Pike following the installations in downtown Long Beach.