Parking meters go mobile
Smart Auto Meter (SAM) personal parking meter hangs on vehicles rearview mirror or drivers side grab bar. Small, portable electronic device (slightly larger than a Personal Digital Assistant) works in conjunction with pre-paid smart card. Coinless system tracks actual parking time and subtracts the corresponding amount from pre-paid card. The user is only charged for time he or she usesdown to the second. Refillable smart cards are both reusable and disposable, depending on the needs of the driver and the parking department. Batteries provide approximately 800 hrs. of service, which is equivalent to about 5 months of normal daily use. The device creates a warning message when there is approximately 8 hrs. of service left. Also accommodates on-street parking rate increases. Ideal for municipalities, colleges and universities, and resort communities.