Cranford committee backs pay-by-cell parking plan, targets July 1 implementation

Police Captain Eugene Perrotta recommended the Township adopt a Mobile Payment Processing Systems “pay-by-cell” parking program so patrons pay by license plate rather than by parking spot, and the Committee members present indicated support for moving forward.

"Captain Perrott recommended that the Township implement a new parking system, known as the Mobile Payment Processing Systems’ “pay-by-cell” parking program in which patrons would pay by plate number (and not by parking spot number)," Perrotta said during the meeting. He told the Committee the change would require new software and approximately 75 to 80 informational signs, and estimated the transaction fee to patrons would be about $0.30 per payment.

Committee members discussed expected savings on paper and paint, the placement of new signs, how many parking zones to create and whether coins would remain an option. Members said the change would also free summer staff to paint crosswalks rather than stall numbers. The Committee discussed a proposed implementation date of July 1, and each member in attendance recommended implementing the program at the workshop meeting.

The workshop record does not show a formal vote; members expressed consensus and asked staff to proceed with next steps, including procurement of software and signs. The item will return for any formal approvals required at a subsequent public meeting.