New parking meters set for September

NEW parking meters are expected to be installed from September around Sligo, a meeting of the Municipal Authority was told on Monday.

And, the new system will embrace the latest in technology with drivers able to remotely pay for a ticket via online and a mobile app.

Head of Finance Leydon told the meeting that Park Right Limited had been awared a five year contract by the council for the installation and operation of the new meters with an option of a further 24 months.

The new machines will accept coins and credit and debit cards and there will be some additional locations to the ones currently being used around the city. She added that drivers will be able to pay by text or online also without the need to return to the car. There will be a publicity campaign outlining the new system in advance of the September roll out.

Ms Leydon said it was likely traffic wardens wouldn’t be as lenient in future as when machines weren’t working.

Meanwhile, councillors welcomed the fact that Summerhill Village will not be included in the new parking place bye-laws.

Including the are would have meant residents having to purchase permits but the council is now likely to proceed with the creation of double yellow lines along the road adjacent to the estate to tackle the issue of non resident parking.