East Hampton launches ParkMobile pilot and LPR enforcement in downtown Montauk

The Town of East Hampton approved a summer pilot to add paid parking in downtown Montauk, starting June 15, 2024, using the ParkMobile app and integrated license‑plate‑reader (LPR) enforcement.

Town officials said the pilot covers three on‑street right‑of‑way zones — roughly 40 to 41 spaces — plus the existing paid lot at Kirk Park. Daily session pricing for the right‑of‑way spots will be $25 for a four‑hour session or $35 for an eight‑hour session; Kirk Park daily sessions will be $35 for eight hours. Vehicles displaying a valid East Hampton Town Beach parking permit will be allowed to park in the designated pilot spaces without charge or time limit, officials said.

"The town of East Hampton is looking to initialize this paid parking process in downtown Monto," Council member David Lease said as the board introduced the measure. "Vehicles with a valid East Hampton Town Beach parking permit can park in these locations with no charge or daily time limit." (Council member David Lease)

John Rooney, superintendent of Parks and Recreation, described the user experience and enforcement plan. "It'll just be easier for folks to get paid parking on a daily basis," Rooney said. He explained users may pay via the ParkMobile app, by scanning a QR code on area signs, or by texting a zone code. Rooney added the town selected ParkMobile because it is already used regionally and in nearby villages.

Enforcement will rely on LPR software tied to ParkMobile and the clerk's daily permit lists, town officials said. "East Hampton Town Police Department will be actively using LPR technology for parking by June 15, 2024," the presentation noted; that system will allow the town to check in real time whether a plate has a paid session or a town permit.

Officials said attendants will staff the locations for the first weekend and during busy periods, but routine on‑site attendants are planned to be phased out after June 21. The town will not accept cash at the on‑street right‑of‑way pay locations; transactions will be cloud‑based and handled by ParkMobile. Rooney said kiosks that accept cash or cards could be added later if needed.

Board members acknowledged concerns about the transition for people who do not use smartphone apps. "There are some people who are not comfortable using apps," one board member said; another urged initial attendant coverage to help residents learn the system.

The board said the pilot is intended to increase turnover for downtown businesses, protect permit holders' access, and modernize enforcement at lower staffing cost. The town will review the pilot after the season and may consider expansion or adjustments based on results.

The town plans a postseason review to evaluate effectiveness and discuss potential expansion. For questions, residents were directed to the supervisor's office or the Parks and Recreation superintendent.