NEWARK, Del. (AP) - Newark council members have voted to expand the city's smart parking program after a smaller pilot program.
WDEL Radio reports the council voted 5-1 Monday to approve a $326,212 contract to purchase 425 new parking meters that accept credit and debit cards.
Officials say 401 of the city's existing 457 parking meters will be replaced with new devices. The remaining 24 meters will be set aside as spares. The first new meters could begin operating as soon as September.
Newark Parking Administrator Marvin Howard says the smart meters will make it easier to visit the city's downtown.
Eventually, city officials plan to allow those who park at smart meters to pay for additional time using a smartphone application.
