Changes coming to Sacramento's parking meters after costly vandalism. Here's what to know.
SACRAMENTO – The City of Sacramento says it making some changes to its parking meter system after repeated vandalism and a lack of replacement parts.
In early December, the city said more than 1,300 meters were damaged over the previous three months. Police said people were breaking into them to steal the loose change.
That vandalism led to $400,000 in city repairs for meters, which are meant to bring in money for the city.
While the vandalism has cost the city, it's also been delayed fixing the meters due to a lack of replacement parts.
But on Friday, the city said it's changing the parking meter system to enhance reliability, security and efficiency.
The City of Sacramento said it's going to replace single-space meters with durable pay stations at multiple locations. It will also remove coin payment options at single-space meters.
There will be multiple cashless payment options, such as card, app and text payments.
Drivers will still be able to pay with coins but will do so at pay stations and parking garages.
"These upgrades will help reduce maintenance delays, improve security, and offer a more seamless parking experience while still providing multiple payment options," City Parking Manager Staci Hovermale said.
Areas around Southside Park and R Street have recently been replaced. There are plans to replace other locations in the future.
For areas that still have a meter, drivers are told to still use coins if the meter works. If it doesn't work, they urged to use one of the other options.
