Politics & Government

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.

Find out what's happening in Collingswoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“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.

Find out what's happening in Collingswoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.


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