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Detroit Installs New License Plate Parking System; Are Rates On The Rise?

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit is installing a new "pay-by-plate" parking system that uses technology tied to license plates in an effort to improve enforcement efficiency and increase options for payment.

The city also is weighing a proposal that would set varying -- and in most cases steeper -- hourly meter rates.

Detroit's Chief Operating Officer Gary Brown says the city has begun installing the first of about 500 "pay-by-plate" parking kiosks along Livernois between 7 Mile and 8 Mile roads. The rest are to be in place by month's end.

The technology allows drivers to access a kiosk, enter in their license plate number and park in any space within a specific zone. Coins, credit cards or debit cards may be used for payment at kiosks and parking time may be purchased via mobile app or by phone.

"People should not be getting tickets if you've got all of these options to pay," Brown told The Detroit News.

The city will also use license plate recognition software for enforcement. It can be used to scan plates and let authorities know whether time has been purchased.

Once completed, Detroit's system is expected to include 300 meter kiosk pay stations to control about 3,000 parking spaces.

Meanwhile, a City Council subcommittee is studying a proposal to establish new meter rates and allow changing pricing during special programs, including concerts or sporting events.

The proposal would keep the $1-an-hour rate in neighborhoods, but increase the cost to $1.50-an-hour in the Midtown and Eastern Market areas and $2-an-hour in the city's central business district. A public hearing is set for July 27.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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