New parking meters

The coin-operated parking meters in Hamilton’s central city are out of date, and will be replaced with electronic parking meters at the end of February 2024.

 

How the electronic parking meters work

  • The meters are touch screen. Drivers enter their vehicle’s licence plate number, and the time required
  • Payment is made with payWave
  • Alternatively, drivers can register and pay for their parking on the PayMyPark app
  • To get two-hours free parking, drivers are required to enter their details in the parking meters or on the PayMyPark app to validate their free parking
  • The meters are ticketless, but an electronic receipt can be requested.

 

Download the PayMyPark app

 

Payment for all-day $6 parking in the central city is only available through the PayMyPark app.

A dozen coin-operated parking machines will remain around the central city.

 

Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to use the new parking meters.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Why are the parking meters being upgraded?


The coin-operated parking metres are outdated, it’s costly to get replacement parts, and there are better ways to manage parking in the central city. Electronic parking metres are the modern equivalent to coin-operated parking metres.

 

When are the new parking meters being installed?


The meters are being installed at the beginning of March 2024.

 

How do the new parking meters work?


Drivers use the touch-screen to enter their vehicle’s number plate and the time required. Payment is made by payWave, and no ticket is required for display. However, drivers can request an electronic receipt.

 

Where are the new meters located?


The new meters are streetside and spread throughout the central city for customers to easily access. The PayMyPark app will also be available for customers to register and pay for parking on the go.

 

What are the payment options?


Payment is made at the meter by payWave. Alternatively, you can pay for your parking on the PayMyPark app. If you would like to pay with coins, a dozen coin-operated meters will remain around the central city.

 

Can I insert my card for payment?


No. Parking meters will only accept payWave, payment through the PayMyPark app, or by coins at a dozen coin-operated machines that will remain around the central city.

 

Why do the new meters only take payWave for payment?

 

Over 90% of transactions for electronic parking meters are made with payWave. Approximately a dozen coin-operated machines will remain in the central city, and payment can also be made through the PayMyPark app. We are moving towards a more cashless society. Cashless transactions are safer for the public and staff.

 

Is there a fee to use payWave?

 

No, there’s no fee to use payWave.

 

Why are some coin-operated machines remaining?

 

A dozen coin-operated parking machines will be refurbished as the public have indicated they’d like to keep some machines that take coin payment.

 

Where will the coin-operated machines be located?

 

The coin-operated machines will be spread throughout the central city.

 

When you park near a coin-operated machine, do you have to use these machines or can you use any meters to pay for parking?

 

Payment options for any of the metered parking areas in the central city can be made at any parking meter, or on the PayMyPark app.

 

How much does on-street parking cost?


Currently, on-street parking is free for the first two hours, and $6 per hour thereafter (up to four hours).

 

What’s the timeframe for metered parking in the central city?


Metered parking applies between 8am - 8pm, Monday – Saturday, excluding public holidays.

 

How do I get two-hours free parking?

 

Drivers must enter their details in the electronic parking meter or on the PayMyPark app to validate their two-hours free parking.

 

If I move spots, can I get 2 hours-free parking a second time?

 

No. Drivers are required to enter their number plate into the new parking meters or on the PayMyPark app to activate two-hours free parking. Parking is monitored by a vehicle with licence plate recognition technology.

 

Will the new parking meters affect 2 hour-free parking?

 

No. The existing parking meters are no longer fit for purpose and there are better ways we can manage parking in the central city. The parking meter upgrade was agreed and budgeted in the 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan.

 

Whether or not to continue to fund two-hour free parking in the central city in the upcoming Long-Term Plan is a separate decision for Elected Members.

 

Why is Council spending on new parking meters?

 

The new meters were budgeted for in the 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan. The coin-operated parking metres are outdated, it’s costly to get replacement parts, and there are better ways to manage parking in the central city.

 

How do I pay for all-day $6 parking?

 

Payment for all-day $6 parking can only be made through the PayMyPark app.

 

Where are the all-day $6 parking areas?

 

The all-day $6 parking areas are listed on our on-street parking page.

   

Do I need a receipt from the smart parking meters?


The new meters are ticketless, but you can request an e-receipt by following the prompts on the screen.

 

What's an e-receipt?


An e-receipt is an electronic receipt.

 

What if I don’t have a phone, or I don’t have it on me?


The meters are touch-screen, you don’t need a phone to use the parking meters.

 

What if I struggle to use the new meters?

 

Traffic wardens will roam the central city parking areas to support drivers for approximately two weeks during the transition period in March 2024. Our customer services team are available to assist you on 07 838 6699.

 

A step-by-step guide on how to use the meters can be viewed here. A printed version is available at the reception of the Council building at 260 Anglesea Street, and at our other facilities.

 

Are the machines accessible for wheelchair users?

 

Yes. CCS Disability Action has been consulted, and the machines are accessible by wheelchair users. The PayMyPark app can be used to register and pay for parking.  

 

How is parking monitored?

 

Parking is monitored by a vehicle with licence plate recognition technology.

 

Do the new parking meters collect personal information?

 

The new parking meters require the number plate of the parked vehicle to register the park. If the customer requires an electronic receipt, then an email address is also needed.

 

Does PayMyPark collect personal information?

 

The only information PayMyPark store’s is your name and email address which is required to create your account.

 

I’m having problems with the PayMyPark app, what should I do?


Please contact info@paymypark.com with your issue, and their customer support team will assist you.

 

How long have the electronic parking meters been around for?


Two of these devices were installed in Opoia Paa Carpark (previously known as Sonning Carpark) in Claudelands in 2022, and were used successfully alongside the old parking meters.

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Last updated 6 July 2022