High-tech parking ticket system proposed
Special Constable Richard Parry would like to go high-tech. At Digby’s April 7 town council meeting, Parry, who issues tickets for overtime parking, said his tire chalk could be replaced by a hand-held electronic unit.
The parking ticket device records times, license plate numbers, and tire stem positions. It also prints tickets on thermal paper, reducing smudges on rainy days. The device wirelessly transmits the information to a central computer, so it doesn’t have to be recorded a second time.
The proposed parking ticket system is being used successfully in Halifax and Miami.
If the town adopts the system, it would cost $1,700 for the initial purchase of thermal paper and $580 per month—or $6,960 per year—for training and lease of the hardware.
Councilors expressed concern about the cost of the proposed parking ticket system, and tabled the idea.
According to deputy town clerk Matthew Raymond, revenue generated by parking tickets in Digby was $2,300 in 2007.
Parry also reported to council that he monitors the supply of plastic bags available at the town’s two stoop-and-scoop dispensers and dog owners are making use of them.
Christopher Turnbull
Comment online since April 9th 2008Message to Digby town council: "Just say no".
The method Parry wants to employ is often used in Private enterprise and is fine for large areas.
With revenue at $2300 in 2007 and the projected cost to implement, do the math.
If the town still has the same population, revenue is a dollar per person.
Parry should go for the camera on car method, he wouldn't have to get wet.
Unless Digby is expecting Michelin to come to town, I think you can hold this one until 2050.
But, you still have the same mayor... right. Well, at least someone had vision.
On the positive side, Digby still has the best volunteer fire department in the country!
Keep up the great work.