Town of Bethany Beach
Parking with Pay Stations (Posted May 7, 2010)
Pay Stations will be located on all beach lots off Atlantic Avenue, replacing the historic single-head meters. Signs direct drivers to the nearest Pay Station from their meter space.
Questions and Answers about Pay Stations in Bethany Beach
What is a Parking Pay Station?
A Parking Pay Station is an automated kiosk that replaces all the individual parking meters in a related area. The unit accepts quarters, as well as credit cards, making payment more convenient for the public. Pay & Display pay stations issue ticket receipts that must be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle, but allows the customer to use unexpired time at another parking meter location. Pay Stations are more reliable than single-head meters and provide faster, higher quality data that we did not have with meters. Additionally, our single-head meters are becoming obsolete , requiring more frequent repairs and difficult-to-find parts.
How do you know to pay for parking at a Pay Station?
Each beach lot block along Atlantic Avenue will have one or more Pay Stations with signs that explain the Pay Station process, plus small signs on parking space poles will direct the driver to the nearest Pay Station. Cost is the same at any meter space…$1.50 per hour or $.25 per 10 minutes.
How does the Pay Station work?
Directions are on each machine. The process:
- Insert one or more quarters in the slot (Expiration time will be displayed on the screen), or insert a Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover) into the opening and remove quickly…click the designated button to advance time in 10-minute increments until your desired expiration time is reached.
- Once your desired time is noted on the screen, push the “OK” button.
- Take your ticket receipt from the dispenser…retain the small ‘tear-off’ section as a reminder of your expiration time.
- Bring your ticket receipt back to your vehicle and place the ticket receipt on the drivers-side dashboard with the expiration time displayed for monitoring by Parking Enforcement Officers.
Note: the issued ticket receipt will include two extra minutes that allows you to return to your vehicle and properly display the receipt. Ex: you purchase a three-hour ticket receipt at 1:00 PM; your expiration time will read 4:02 PM.
How do you take your paid parking time with you to another location?
Simply leave your ticket receipt properly displayed on your dashboard (driver’s side) and move to another meter space.
How do Pay Station tickets work with convertibles and motorcycles?
The purchase process is the same as any vehicle user. Both motorcycle and convertible users are encouraged to write their license plate number on their receipt to minimize the chance of theft. Convertible drivers should display the ticket receipt on the dashboard or on the side of the windshield where the windshield connects with the frame. A motorcyclist could place the ticket under the seat strap. Of course, a piece of tape would solve the problem. If a ticket receipt is stolen, call the Police Department at 302-539-1000. Also, a ticket receipt tear-off stub will confirm your parking time and will help to void the ticket.
What happens if the Pay Station does not work?
If you have difficulties with a Parking Pay Station or you would like to report a problem, please call the Bethany Beach Police Department at 302-539-1000 or speak to any Police or Parking Enforcement Officer. Generally, the internal Pay Station software will communicate to the central office if quarters or credit cards are not accepted. If the unit will not perform, customers may still park in the area and purchase a ticket receipt from another nearby Pay Station.
Are the Pay Stations accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. The coin and credit card aperture locations, controls, and operating mechanisms are compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Service vehicles and handicap plates/tags are NOT exempt from paying for a meter space.
Can you receive a parking citation while you are paying at a Pay Station?
All parking meter spaces are located within a reasonable and visible distance from a Pay Station. Parking Enforcement Officers will check the kiosk before issuing a Parking Summons. IF a summons is inadvertently issued, the receipt can be used in court to dispute the citation. All customers are provided with an extra two minutes of parking time on the ticket receipt to allow time for customers to return and place the receipt on the vehicle dashboard.
What is the process to contest a citation at a Pay Station parking space?
The “appeal” process is the same as any other parking summons. Call the number on the summons and envelope (302-539-1000) to schedule a court appearance within 10 days of the citation issue date. Alderman’s Court #31 is located in Town Hall. No written appeals are accepted. Appeal must be in person within 10 days of the issue date.