Parking Update: Kiosk Fixes, Free Sundays, New Permitting
The Borough government announced a number of changes to the current parking system that should take effect immediately.
Last week, the borough of Collingswood released the following announcement.
KIOSK FIXES
Collingswood is implementing some parking changes in 2013 that will improve parking issues, some of which stem from the switch from parking meters to kiosks in 2012.
”The company we contracted was the source of a lot of kiosk headaches. Like many towns in the region, we still think the upgrade to kiosks is the right way to go but we’re exploring new companies that will give visitors consistency and ease of use,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley.
“In the big picture, we’re aware of the frustrations folks have had and it’s a priority to get things running smoothly.”
The kiosk company is installing new modems to try to correct the problems. If this does not resolve the issue the Borough will get new machines from a different manufacturer. Kiosks also offer technological advantages and flexibility like smart cards, tokens, pay-by-cell options – all of which the Borough is considering.
The faulty modems cause the most trouble with credit card users, but the kiosks accept change with no issue.
FREE SUNDAYS IN WINTER
Another major announcement is that the Borough will offer free parking throughout town on Sundays in February and March as a special for winter months.
ANNUAL PERMITS AVAILABLE
Other changes include the opportunity for residents of the LumberYard and along Haddon Avenue in the Central Business District (from roughly Fern Ave to between East Knight and East Madison Avenues) to buy residential permits for $132 per year.
Depending on the address, permits would allow residents to buy a space in the LumberYard garage or in the lot along Atlantic Avenue by the water towers. For details and information about obtaining a resident permit, call the Collingswood Police Department at 856-854-1901. Residential permits will be available at Collingswood.com in February.
The Borough is also working with NJ Transit to update bus stop locations in town that will improve signage, routes and add more parking spaces to the downtown. Some bus stops will be relocated or removed to maximize space on Haddon Avenue.
”The current route is somewhat outdated. By evaluating what works best for commuters, the town and NJ Transit we can make the best use of the space along our corridor and add more parking,” said Maley.
General parking rules otherwise remain the same. Hours of operation for paid parking are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 50 cents per hour. Parking maps and more information are here.
Jacklyn Schacht
8:21 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
They need to do something for those of us who live on Atlantic Ave. Often inconsiderate visitors block our driveway and leave us limited parking if any at all!
Rob Pawlowski
2:05 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Call the police and the "visitor" will leave with a nice $100.00 ticket. I had a visitor to a neighbor do that to me, he claimed he didn't realize he was blocking a driveway. I called the police and a very nice Collingswood police officer came out and issued the guy a $100.00 ticket. He also said that if it was still blocking my driveway in the morning it would be towed at the owners expense. Needles to say the guy moved his car.
Jasomm
9:07 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
Kudos to the administration... good approaches for improvements here
Kevin
9:14 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
How about a lesser parking permit fee for those of us who live in town (but not in the Lumberyard or along Atlantic), and need to run up town to pick up a few things on Haddon Ave. The free 15 minutes in the meters use to allow us that flexibility without worrying about a ticket. Not anymore. Isn't technology great!
Mary Shields Sheffield
1:40 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
My family and I very rarely go to the Ave due to the parking for residents all the taxes we pay we should be able to go try some restaurants with out having to pay for parking or worried that we are going to get a ticket .
Matt Skoufalos
3:13 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I hear your point, but I have to say that at $1.50 per *three* hours, I would hardly find the notion that parking is cost-prohibitive as a reason not to patronize the stores and restaurants in town. And that's before you get into all the spots just a block or two away.
Porterincollingswood
3:37 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I brought up the idea of the annual permits last year...and now I find I am not eligible because of some arbitrary decision?
Seriously, I think whoever is making decisions regarding the parking needs to be relieved of those duties and put on something else.
Collingswoodnative
4:59 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Free parking for all.
Walking along the Ave. I see frustrated visitors to town trying to figure out how the kiosk system works. People don't want to stand in the cold and dark trying to read a dimmly lit sign with long instructions. They want to park their car and go to the resturant without fear of a ticket. People are coming once to town and not coming back.
Loretka
12:11 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I'm sure you are correct, Collingswoodnative. There are sooooo many excellent restaurants that have parking lots of their own for customers. Why ride around and around looking for a parking space, then have to walk to and back from a kiosk to pay for the privilege of parking on Haddon Avenue in Collingswood?
Loretka
12:18 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The statement issued by the Borough of Collingswood says, . . . "Like many towns in the region, we still think the upgrade to kiosks is the right way to go . . ." I would like to know which "towns in the region" have switched to kiosks (other than Philadelphia). The parking meters were so much better and easier. And especiallyi missed is the 15 free minutes allowance in case you just have go in and out of a store to pick up something quickly.
Porterincollingswood
8:34 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Probably goes back to the statement that the parking kiosks have "paid for themselves"...meaning they've drawn minimal in positive revenue. So rather than admit that and move on, minimizing the loss, the decision has been made to double down on them in hopes they'll start working.
This is typical - when people deal with a failed technology they were over-sold on, they keep looking to justify the original expense and out-of-pocket cost. It's a money pit.
The annual passes are a great idea, I just hope the offering isn't limited just to those who won't need them (who live downtown).
Collingswoodnative
8:20 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
Haddonfield is switching over to the kiosks parking.
Porterincollingswood
8:30 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
Will they take ours? Slightly used?