New High-Tech Parking Meters Hit the Streets in Adams Morgan - Releases

(Washington, DC) Michelle L. Pourciau, Acting Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), joined by DC Council and community leaders, today celebrated the arrival of new high-tech "multi-space" parking meters in the District. DDOT last week replaced 168 single-spaced meters with 21 multi-space meters along 18th Street and Columbia Road in Northwest.

The new solar-powered meters, installed by DDOT, manage multiple parking spaces within a single block. Parking patrons purchase time with either a credit or debit card or US coins at the meter. Then, the machine issues a receipt to be placed inside the vehicle on the passenger side of the dashboard. The meters allow more vehicles to park at the curb and reduce sidewalk clutter, thereby providing more space for pedestrians. The meters are more vandal-resistant than standard meters and offer real-time feedback to DDOT should any problems occur.

"These new high-tech meters are a great example of how at DDOT we're stepping up efforts to simplify parking meters and create more sidewalk space in congested areas for pedestrians," said Pourciau. "The meters also give us 'real time' feedback to alert us of any problems that occur. That's using technology to help better serve the public in the District of Columbia. That's something we can all be proud of."

"Pay to Park" signs are posted on either end of the Designated Parking Area (DPA). Universal "pay here" signs have been posted near the actual meters. These signs show a hand with a coin indicating to the motorist where they need to go to pay and receive their receipt. Next up will be multi space meters coming to K Street later this month between 12th and 21st Streets, NW.

Councilmember Jim Graham, Ward 1, said: "Together we're finding innovative ways to reduce congestion in our neighborhoods—both on streets and sidewalks. These new multi-space meters are a step in the right direction and I'm thrilled to have them here in Adams Morgan."

Councilmember Carol Schwartz, At-Large, said: "This type of meter was used in a pilot program in Georgetown. I now welcome the second pilot in Adams Morgan, and look forward to hearing how the community—both residential and business—react to it."