Main Street Meter Revenue and Parking Tickets Triples

Revenue from the new digital meter system on Ellicott City’s Main Street has nearly tripled compared to revenue in 2012, according to the county’s latest statistics.

The number of citations issued has also tripled, but the cost of the program and its enforcement is currently more than the revenue generated, according to county statistics.

David Nitkin, the county's communications director, said the goal of the new meters was to manage the limited spaces available on Main Street and Maryland Avenue. It wasn’t to make money.

"On-street parking is more of a management tool than it is a revenue maker," said Nitkin. "Freeing up the spots on Main Street is very important to the businesses. Customers want to park as close as they can to businesses."

Merchants along Main Street said recently the meters, which became operational in Feb., have freed up spaces on Main Street, where many residents and employees used to park, but have confused customers.

Many merchants said they haven't noticed an impact on business—some even said business has increased (Sweet Elizabeth Jane, Rumor Mill), while others said the meters have had a negative impact (Taylor's Antique Mall, Still Life Gallery).

In the most recent revenue figures from May and April, the county nearly tripled the amount of revenue brought in and citations issued, compared to the same months in 2012. May brought in about $25,500 in revenue from meters and 684 citations, compared with $7,400 from meter revenue and 164 citations in May 2012.

Annual costs include:

• $158,112 for sensor maintenance and the Parker App

Taken together the county pays about $275,000 annually for the program and enforcement. Between Feb. 2013 and May 2013, the county brought in an average of $18,000 per month, based on provided statistics. If the average revenue per month continues for 12 months, the county would net about $216,000.

The one-time cost of the new meters, which became operational in February, and sensors placed in the spots was approximately $250,000, according to the county. The county has not yet provided the construction cost to install the meters.

Nitkin addressed complaints about the meters—such as a lack of receipts, difficult to read type, not enough signage, and the distances that separate them—by saying the county is continually evaluating data to make changes to improve the system.

"We understand there is an adjustment period for visitors to get used to the new meters," said Nitkin, in an email. "The meters we selected are spaced at intervals recommended by the industry and are designed to be unobtrusive, with low maintenance."

Up and down Main Street there are signs in storefronts, as well as on the street, reminding visitors to pay for parking, and identifying meter locations. Still, Nitkin said the county will review possible changes to signage and instructions to make sure visitors have all the information they need.

Nitkin also said the sensors give them valuable information about how many spots on Main Street are being used by visitors and residents. This allows them to determine if a potentially costly parking garage is necessary.

"It is not designed to be a cash cow," said Nitkin.

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