News

Solar-powered parking kiosks to deploy in Washington

January 3, 2011

Drivers in Port Orchard, Wash., will soon have access to two solar-powered parking kiosks when the city's downtown waterfront is complete, according to the Kitsap Sun.

Port Orchard is the first in the area to get the kiosks, which accept debit and credit cards but not cash. The technology will save the city money while making parking more convenient, said City Councilman John Clauson, who pushed to include the $25,000 kiosks in the city's 2011 budget. The current cash boxes must be emptied daily, and two employees are required for audit purposes. Information from the kiosks will be automatically transferred to city accountants.

Parking fee increases will eventually pay for the new equipment. Whether the council will lower the fees once the kiosks are paid for remains to be seen, Clauson said.