Parking Meters
The City of Berkeley uses parking meters as a parking management tool, primarily in commercial areas and around public spaces or facilities that are major trip generators. Meters are typically used to improve access, promote commercial activity, and discourage long-term car storage. The City may adjust a meter’s hourly rate and/or limit the amount of time one may park in a metered parking space to encourage turnover and increase parking availability for short-term visitors and customers. Parking customers interested in long-term parking (over 2-hour, all day, or commuter parking) may park in the City’s off-street parking garages and lots or goBerkeley Value pricing areas around downtown Berkeley and the Southside/Telegraph areas.
Parking meters in Downtown Berkeley, Southside/Telegraph, Northside, and the Elmwood are managed under the goBerkeley demand-responsive parking management program.
Over the years, parking meters have evolved from wholly mechanical devices to the state-of-the-art smart parking meters we use today. Currently, the City of Berkeley uses two types of meters: multi-space (IPS pay stations) and single-space, to monitor over 3,700 parking spaces. All meters accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as nickels, dimes, quarters, and small one dollar coins.
For the City's guidelines on Disabled Parking Placard use, click here.
Chapter 14.52 of the Berkeley Municipal Code describes rules and procedures for the management and use of the City's parking meters.
Hours of Operation
On-Street Meters: In general, on-street meters are in operation from 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday including some holidays. There are exceptions to these general hours, so be sure to check the meters themselves and/or posted signs nearby to confirm hours of operation.
Metered Parking Lots:
Berkeley Way Lot: 7 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday
Elmwood District Lot: 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday
Pre-Pay and Sleep Modes: All City of Berkeley meters revert to “sleep” mode from the end of one operating shift until the start of operating hours the following business day. A “pre-pay” mode is available two hours before metered time begins. This allows you to park and pre-pay if you expect to remain parked at that spot once hours of operation begin. The meter will start charging time once the enforcement hours begin.
Parking Meter Holidays
Meters are not enforced on the following holidays:
New Year's Day, January 1 (Holiday observed on Monday if it falls on Sunday)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Third Monday in January
President's Day, Third Monday in February
Memorial Day, Last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4 (Holiday observed on Friday if it falls on a Sunday)
Labor Day, First Monday in September
Indigenous People's Day, Second Monday in October
Veterans Day, November 11 (Holiday observed on Monday if it falls on Sunday)
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25 (Holiday observed on Monday if it falls on Sunday)
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goBerkeley is the City's data-driven, demand-responsive parking management program. Its aim is to improve the safety and ease of travel in metered parking areas by adjusting parking rates and time limits to better match local needs. goBerkeley raises or lowers parking rates to achieve 1-2 open spaces per block. Consistent parking availability means less circling, cleaner air, and safer streets for all.
goBerkeley is currently used to manage parking in four of the City's vibrant commercial districts: Downtown Berkeley, Northside, Southside/Telegraph, and the Elmwood.
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News and Updates
On April 1, 2019, meter rates and time limits in Downtown Berkeley, Southside/Telegraph, and the Elmwood will be adjusted to maximize parking availability. Changes include:
- More available parking spaces in high-demand Premium zones in Downtown Berkeley ($3.75/hour), Southside/Telegraph ($3.25/hour), and the Elmwood ($2.75/hour)
- Value zones with the option to park for up to 4 hours (Downtown Berkeley) or 8 hours (Southside/Telegraph) at $2.50/hour
- Increased availability at the Elmwood Parking Lot ($1.25/hour)
The goBerkeley Way
goBerkeley uses a transparent, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to increase parking availability, find the right time limits for healthy turnover and customer flexibility, and make parking easier to understand. In establishing goBerkeley areas, staff talk to local businesses to better understand what time limits may be appropriate for each area's blend of customers and visitors. After analyzing parking activity, staff adjust meter rates to ensure that 1-2 parking spaces are always available, so drivers don't have to circle for a spot. goBerkeley also increases driver choice by lengthening time limits in some areas, providing legal parking alternatives for those who need to stay for longer periods of time. In goBerkeley areas, bright, clear signs provide simple instructions on how long to park and where to pay, reducing sidewalk clutter and enhancing the attractiveness of neighborhood commercial districts.
Pilot Project Results
goBerkeley began as a three-year pilot project to explore and test methods of reducing local traffic congestion, improving parking options, and promoting alternatives to driving one's own car. Results from the pilot project are available in the Berkeley City Council Information Report (5.7MB PDF) from December 16, 2014.
Feedback
Interested in more information about goBerkeley? Write to us at goBerkeley@cityofberkeley.info.
Parkmobile Pay-by-Phone Services
Paying for parking in Berkeley is now even easier! Using the Parkmobile service, parking customers are able to pay for parking on-the-go via a smartphone app or by phone.
The mobile app for iPhone and Android phones is available at Parkmobile's website. Customers may also initiate parking sessions by calling 1-877-727-5718. Once registered, users can also choose to receive custom alerts and reminders prior to the expiration of a parking session, and if applicable, remotely extend their parking session. Click here for a video overview of the Parkmobile service.
How to Register
- Once you have downloaded the app, you will be asked to fill out basic information.
- You have the option to continue with registration or explore the app and complete registration at a later time.
- If you decide to complete registration, you will be asked for your license plate number. You can add up to five (5) license plate numbers per account.
- Lastly, you will be asked to enter payment information.
How to Pay by App
- Once you have registered your account, enter the appropriate zone code for your parking space, which is located on bright green stickers on the meters. At single-space meters, you will be asked to provide a zone code and space number, both of which are included on the sticker.
- Choose the duration you wish to park.
- Confirm your information, including location, license plate number, and payment method.
- Upon final confirmation, a ticker will begin counting down your time remaining. You may also be given the option of adding an alert prior to the expiration time, which will give you the option of adding more time to the meter -- up to the maximum posted time limit.
- Note: Your payment status is immediately transmitted to Parking Enforcement. Single space meters will NOT display your paid time, and the light will continue to flash red.
How to Pay by Phone
- Dial 1-877-727-5718. We recommend registering an account in advance (either online at Parkmobile.io or by calling) for a quick and easy parking transaction.
- Enter the appropriate zone code for your parking space, located on bright green stickers on the meters.
- Choose the duration you wish to park.
- Agree to the charged amount.
Time Limit Enforcement
Time limits are strictly enforced and may not be extended by adding more money after the posted maximum time limit has expired. In other words, “feeding the meter” is illegal per BMC 14.52.060. Use these links for information on other local parking restrictions and California Vehicle Codes.
Parking Before Payment, or After Time has Expired
It is unlawful to occupy a metered parking space without paying. Per BMC 14.52.040, drivers must pay for parking immediately after occupancy of a parking space. And per BMC 14.52.050, it is also unlawful to remain parked at a single-space meter or pay-and-display parking space after the meter or your dashboard receipt has expired. Only stay for the time you pay!
Broken Meters
Parking at a space served by a broken or inoperable single space meter or pay & display station is limited to the posted time limit. It is not legal to park in a space served by a broken meter or a pay & display station longer than the posted time limit.
To report a broken meter or pay & display station, call 311 or (510) 981-CITY (2489), and provide the meter or pay station number.
Parking Meter Rates
The City of Berkeley has two rate structures for parking meters:
- In goBerkeley program areas (approximately 2,000 parking spaces in Downtown, Southside/Telegraph, Northside, and the Elmwood) hourly rates range from $1.25/hour in Value areas to $3.75/hour in Premium areas. Premium and Value areas are identified using color-coded signs (Premium areas are blue, and Value areas are green).
- In all other metered areas, the hourly rate is $1.50. Other metered areas in Berkeley include the Gourmet Ghetto, Solano Avenue, Telegraph Avenue, Claremont & Ashby, College & Alcatraz, San Pablo Avenue, the Gilman District, and University Avenue.
goBerkeley Program Areas and Rates
Current goBerkeley program locations and rates are described below.
goBerkeley Area
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Rate Zone
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Parking Location
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Hourly Rate
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Maximum Time Limit
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Downtown Berkeley
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Premium
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Hearst Avenue (North) to Bancroft Way (South), between Oxford Street (East) and MLK Jr. Way (West)
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$3.75
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2 hours
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Value
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Bancroft Way (North) to Dwight Way (South), between Fulton Street (East) and Milvia Street (West)
& Berkeley Way Parking Lot
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$2.50
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4 hours
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Southside/Telegraph
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Premium
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Bancroft Way (North) to Durant Ave (South), between Piedmont Avenue (East) and Fulton Street (West)
Durant Ave (North) to Dwight Way (South), between Bowditch St (East) and Dana St (West)
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$3.25
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2 hours
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Value
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Durant Ave (North) to Dwight Way (South), between College Avenue (East) and Bowditch Street (West)
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$2.50
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8 hours
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Northside (Euclid/Hearst)
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Premium
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Ridge Road (North) to Hearst Ave (South), from Le Roy Ave (East) and to Scenic Ave (West)
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$2.00
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2 hours
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Value
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Hearst Ave (2200 and 2600 blocks) and Scenic Ave (1800 block)
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$1.75
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4 hours
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Elmwood
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Premium
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Stuart Street (North) to Webster Street (South), between Piedmont Avenue (East) and Benvenue Avenue (West)
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$2.75
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3 hours
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Value
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Elmwood Parking Lot
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$1.25
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3 hours
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(Effective April 1, 2019.)
Other Citywide Parking Areas and Rates
Non goBerkeley program locations and rates are described below.
| Metered Area |
Metered Area Boundaries |
Hourly Rate |
Time Limits |
North Berkeley
(Shattuck Avenue)
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Rose Street (North) to Hearst Avenue (South), between Oxford Street (East) and Milvia Street (West)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Solano Avenue
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The Alameda (East) to Tulare Street (West), between Tacoma & Catalina Avenues (North) and Marin Avenue (South)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Telegraph Avenue
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Telegraph from Dwight Way (North) to Woolsey Street (South), to Regent Street (East)
AND
Regent Street between Ashby Avenue (North) and Prince Street (South)
AND
2400 block of Blake Street
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Adeline/Shattuck
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Ward Street (North) to Essex Street (South), between Shattuck Avenue (East) and Adeline Street (West)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Claremont & Ashby
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Russell Street (North) to Ashby Avenue (South), between Domingo Avenue (East) and Claremont Avenue (West)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 1 hr.
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| College & Alcatraz |
Vicinity of intersection of College Avenue & Alcatraz Avenue north of the Berkeley city line
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$1.50
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1 hour
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San Pablo Avenue
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San Pablo Avenue between Harrison Street (North) and Heinz Avenue (South)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Gilman District
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9th Street, 10th Street and Camelia Street south of Gilman Street
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Fourth Street
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Fourth Street between Virginia Street (North) and Hearst Avenue (South)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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University Avenue
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Hearst Avenue (North) to Addison Street (South), between MLK Jr Way (East) and 3rd Street (West)
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$1.50
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30 mins. to 2 hrs.
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Payment Increments And Credit/Debit Card Minimum Payment
When using a credit/debit card payment option, all meters require a 12-minute minimum transaction time. All City of Berkeley meters accept coins, credit and debit cards. Coins do not require a 12-minute transaction minimum. The table below shows parking meter coin increments by meter rate.
goBerkeley Premium
2-Hour
$3.25 or $3.75
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goBerkeley Premium
3-Hour
$2.75
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Standard
Up to 2 hours
$1.50
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goBerkeley Value
4-Hour or 8-Hour
$2.50
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1 Nickel = 1 min
1 Dime = 2 min
1 Quarter = 4 min
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1 Nickel = 1 min
1 Dime = 2 min
1 Quarter = 5 min
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1 Nickel = 2 min
1 Dime = 4 min
1 Quarter = 10 min
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1 Nickel = 1 min
1 Dime = 2 min
1 Quarter = 6 min
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Parking Meter Revenue
Revenue collected from on-street parking operations is used to support City services. Currently, parking meter revenue is used to fund Parking Enforcement operations of the Berkeley Police Department.
Meter Maintenance
The City's Public Works Department has a Meter Maintenance Team consisting of a Supervisor and 8 staff people who are responsible for the collection of revenues, as well as the maintenance and repair of the City’s on-street meters. The Meter Maintenance Team is responsible for routinely replacing meter batteries, lubricating locks, maintaining meter identification numbers, replacing domes and removing graffiti from meters and poles.
Whenever the Meter Maintenance Team finds a vehicle parked at a malfunctioning meter, they initiate repair and place the maximum time on the meter. However, the maximum time you can park in a meter space (during enforcement hours) is the maximum time allowed if the meter were functioning (e.g.1 hour; 2 hours). Therefore, you run the risk of getting a ticket if you are parked at a malfunctioning meter longer than this allotted time – functioning or not.
If you have any questions for the Meter Maintenance Team, please use our Online Service Center, call 311, or (510) 981-CITY (2489).
How to Use Berkeley’s Parking Meters
Multi-space Pay Stations
IPS Pay Station machines accept 3 convenient forms of payment:
- Coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, small one-dollar coins)
- Credit card (Visa or Master Card) 12-minute minimum transaction required
- Debit card (w/credit card logo) 12-minute minimum transaction required
Payment instructions, and hours of operation are posted at each pay station.
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At the meter you need to:
- Pay for the time you need to park.
- If using credit/debit card, adjust time when prompted on screen.
- Press the green button (“OK”).
- Place your receipt ticket on the driver side dash of you vehicle (face up).
- Return to your vehicle before your time expires.
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Multi-space Pay Station Receipt Ticket
Single-Space Meters
Single space meters feature an illuminated display to view parking rates, hours, time limit and other important information.
Single space meters accept 3 convenient forms of payment:
- Coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, small one-dollar coins)
- Credit card (Visa or Master Card) 12 minute minimum transaction required
- Debit card (with credit card logo) 12 minute transacation required.
Payment instructions, and hours of operation are posted at each meter.
Parking Meter Signs and Decals
goBerkeley Zones You can tell you are in a goBerkeley zone when you see signs like this:
Multi-space Pay Stations
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On blocks with pay stations, signs are posted to direct users to "Pay to Park” with arrows pointing towards the closest pay station (Figure 1a). In non-goBerkeley parking areas, green and white regulation signs advise of the zone limits for areas (Figure 1b). If an arrow is not present on the zone limit sign, the limit is enforced for the entire block. Some locations use curb markings along with parking signs (Figure 1c).
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Diagram 1a
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Diagram 1b
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Diagram 1c
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In non-goBerkeley areas, "Pay Here for Parking" signs are posted above each pay station (Diagram 1d and 1e):
Diagram 1d
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 Diagram 1e
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Informational Signs with enforcement rules
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Restricted Parking Rules - Sample
at Farmers Market Location
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Single-Space Meters
Parking rate and hours of operation information is displayed on screen at the head, or crown, of the meter as shown below (Diagram 4a).
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 Diagram 4a
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Diagram 4c
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