From Tuesday 13 August, City of Darwin will begin installing new parking meters across the city centre, offering additional features that will make parking more streamlined for members of the community and visitors.
These modern, solar-powered meters will feature 4G and pay-by-plate technology, and the ability to pay by tapping your credit or debit card.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the changes would make paying for parking in the city centre more streamlined.
"The new meters, are robust, reliable and easy to use, which is great for residents and visitors to the city," Mr Vatskalis said.
"We will be installing more than 100 new meters across the Darwin city centre, which will feature a user-friendly digital screen, allowing the user to choose how long they want to park for and make a payment via tap and go. People will also have the option to receive an electronic receipt at the end of the transaction.
"In addition, we will install more than 40 'Touch and Go' meters on street sign poles around the city.
"These Touch and Go meters are like mini meters; you just need to touch your smart phone against it, and you will be linked directly to the PayStay app or the PayStay website, providing another convenient payment option if you're on the go," he said.
Payment options as part of the introduction of these new parking solutions include:
- Meters - pay-by-plate via contactless debit or credit card, including contactless debit cards that can be purchased at stores such as Australia Post and supermarkets.
- Touch and Go meters - user taps their phone and are automatically directed to the PayStay app or website, where payment can be made via PayStay account or as a guest using debit or credit card, including tap-and-go cards purchased at stores such as Australia Post and supermarkets. Alternatively, users can scan the QR code to be directed to the PayStay website and follow the same steps.
- PayStay app - users can link their credit, debit or Basics Card to their PayStay account to make payments through the app.
- PayStay website - users can pay for parking either through their PayStay account or as a guest. Debit, credit, Basics Card payments are accepted.
- Call PayStay on 1300 322 111 - debit, credit or Basics Card payments are accepted.
The installation of the new meters is expected to take three weeks, with new meters expected to be active once they are installed.
During this time, people can also continue to pay through the PayStay app; through their account or as a guest on the PayStay website; or via phone to PayStay.
These changes have been introduced after City of Darwin undertook an extensive parking review, which found that the technology was outdated.
The review also showed high levels of usage of the PayStay app in Zones B and C, resulting in low usage of the meters in these areas. As a result, approximately 60 existing meters will be removed in order to create cost savings for rate payers.
Parking fees will remain unchanged during this process.
