As you might have already heard some spanking brand new parking meters are about to hit the Isle of Wight.
We understand that over the summer, 150 parking meters across the Island will be replaced with new ones, some of which will accept debit and credit cards payments.
We’ve used these meters on the mainland (as well as ones that accept payment through mobile phones) and it’s really helpful if you find yourself needing to park and haven’t got any change.
If you prefer the old fashioned method of paying with coins, don’t worry, they’ll still be accepted.
We’re told the switch-over starts in May and should be finished in time for the high season.
Most of the machines will have a Chip & Pin feature – but all locations will have at least one machine allowing you to pay by card.
Peter Hayward, Isle of Wight Council Head of Highways and Transport, said
“The existing parking meters are wearing out and a number suffer technical problems. These models are now obsolete and need to be replaced.
“The half a million pound contract has been awarded to The Metric Group who will supply and install the new machines. The contract was awarded last month and the cost has been met from an existing budget that was set aside to replace the machines.
“These new machines feature very modern technology with many also containing Chip and Pin to allow people to pay by card which will feature in locations with higher demands. When you consider the old coin-only machines, which were installed before the millennium, cost over £2500 each, we’re getting very good value for money.”
Image: IW Council/Metric Group
