Solar Parking Meters Getting a Test Run in San Diego

Illegal parkers, beware: San Diego, California is watching you. The city is replacing 1% of its 5,100 parking meters with solar-powered versions as part of a pilot program to test the technology.

San Diego's meters, which were developed by IPS Group, accept a wide range of payment options---credit cards, coins, and prepaid parking cards--and can be installed on existing poles. The mayor's office also claims that the new meters offer increased control over parking rates.

During the city's four-month trial, parking sensors will work with the solar meters to track parking activity. 

It sounds like a great idea, but maybe San Diego officials should follow East Sussex, UK's lead and cover its snazzy new devices with CCTV cameras to catch meter-bashers.

Via SignOnSanDiego