St. Paul installing parking meters that take credit cards
Motorists in downtown St. Paul will soon begin to see new parking meters that accept credit cards as well as coins.
The city will install 50 upgraded parking meters along three blocks on Wabasha Street, between Kellogg and Sixth streets in October.
Officials plan to test out the new system over six months before deciding whether to expand it across downtown.
The current meters are about 12 years old, and frequently are out of order.
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The move comes months after the business community criticized the city's parking rules and enforcement as overly aggressive.
Rich Lallier, the head of the city's public works department, says he hopes the change sends a welcoming message.
"We want to be seen as a friendly community, that we're not out to tag people. We want to give them an opportunity and utilize the parking on the street," he said.
But Lallier says drivers should avoid parking on the street if they plan to stay for several hours and try the ramps instead.
The new meters are expected to be start service in November.