Txt Fail When Using City Parking Meters

I’ve been puzzled the last week or so hearing angry motorists abuse parking meters while clutching their mobile phones.

From what they tell me and what I overhead, the Auckland city’s flash pay and display meters that enable you to pay by text or credit cards sometimes earn a FAIL.

Two disclaimers: I’m mostly a train, cycle and walking guy although I do have a car and have never texted to park so I’m relying on others. Secondly, I’m reluctant to beat up on the poor Auckland City twice in one week over parking so I will refrain from editorialising, just pointing out there might be an odd technology glitch that seems to be really annoying people.

According to the Auckland City site, TXT-TO-PARK is a breeze.

1. Txt the code number for your choice of parking time to 7275.
2. When your txt goes through, the meter will beep, tell you it’s all go and ask you to press the OK button (or, if you’ve changed your mind, press cancel).
3. The meter will then print your parking receipt, and you’ll receive a confirmation txt on your mobile.

Auckland City has over 700 parking meters around the city and 380 are the new ones for a cashless society. If one doesn’t work, the advice is to go and wander around the street until you find that works or go back to using cash for the transaction.

Maybe it’s just been a full moon. Anyone had a problem?