Berkeley, California (Wednesday, April 6,  2005) No more digging for stray quarters; no more risking tickets, and begging for change at the nearest coffee shop. Recently Berkeley’s City Council approved a plan to purchase thirty two pay-and-display parking control machines to replace metered parking. 

This new pilot program intends to save the City money and spare drivers frustration. The pay stations (known as ParkEZ Stations) are solar-powered with a battery backup and they accept coins, credit (Visa & Mastercard), and debit cards. Thirty-one of these new ParkEZ Stations will encompass Shattuck from Allston Streets to the vicinity of Parker Street; Center Street between Shattuck Avenue and Oxford; and Kittredge Street, in front of the City's Main Library.

If the use of this equipment proves to be successful (meaning a higher level of revenue is generated because the new machines operate more effectively than parking meters), the City will then propose additional purchases for a future conversion program.  

The ParkEZ Stations are easy to operate:  Just insert coins or your credit/debit card in appropriate slots for time desired. Press print to receive your dispensing machine ticket  indicating how much time you purchased to park. Finally, peel off the back of the ticket and, using the sticky portion provided, affix the ticket to the interior side window of your vehicle facing the street so the expiration time and date are visible from the outside. 

The new ParkEZ Stations will be in place by April 11. Look for the new Black and Silver ParkEZ Stations in the Downtown area. For more information contact Karen Moore, Parking Services Manager at 510.981.7064.