If you park, you pay
The new metering equipment is said to be 'state-of-the-art proven technology'.
HIBISCUS Coast Municipality has appointed Itramas Corporation Africa to install and operate a new parking management system in the Port Shepstone CBD.
Municipal manager Max Mbili announced at a recent media briefing that the new system is being introduced in an effort to solve the increasing parking problems in the CBD and surrounds.
Phase one of the new system will see parking meters installed in the Port Shepstone CBD. Phase two will involve Margate and Port Edward; while St Michael’s, Shelly Beach, Hibberdene and Marburg will follow in the third and last phase.
The system will allow various payment options, including smartcard and pay-by-phone for those who are registered users. Motorists will be required to pay for parking between the hours of 8am and 5 pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on weekends. Trained, uniformed staff will be employed to ensure monitoring and management on site, and assist with the use of the new system.
According to Itramas, the metering equipment is ‘state-of-the-art proven technology,’ which will be easily accessible and user friendly.
“The parking system is totally wireless and uses solar energy for power, so it is totally environmentally safe,” said Mr Mbili.
“What differentiates this system from other systems used in South Africa is the robustness and vandal resistant design of the system.”
Traffic wardens will monitor the parking spaces online, and if the parking management system shows that the meter has expired, or if there is a vehicle parked in the bay and the meter shows no payment, the vehicle will be issued with a parking violation notice.
The new parking management system is expected to be installed within the next few weeks, and will be fully operational as soon as the consultative process is finalised.
