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New York issues request for private firms to operate parking meters

New York City officials have this week launched a request for qualifications for possible private firms to operate parking meters in the city. The meters cover over 80,000 parking spaces in five boroughs. Spokesperson for the city's mayor, Julie Wood, said that the privatisation would allow for innovative methods to improve quality and efficiency of the city's parking services. She added that the city will proceed cautiously with the plan, stating that any possible deal would see the city maintaining full c
June 13, 2012 Read time: 1 min
RSSNew York City officials have this week launched a request for qualifications for possible private firms to operate parking meters in the city. The meters cover over 80,000 parking spaces in five boroughs. Spokesperson for the city's mayor, Julie Wood, said that the privatisation would allow for innovative methods to improve quality and efficiency of the city's parking services. She added that the city will proceed cautiously with the plan, stating that any possible deal would see the city maintaining full control of violations enforcements as well as parking meter rates.

Deputy Mayor Robert Steel said that the privatisation will proceed only when there is real promise of high-tech innnovations, the city keeps its power on parking policy, and its financial position is safeguarded. In 2011, parking meters brought in net revenues of US$93 million for the city.

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