Pysäköintimittari

A pysäköintimittari, or parking meter, is a device used to collect money in exchange for the right to park a vehicle in a particular place for a limited amount of time. These meters are typically installed on sidewalks next to parking spaces in urban areas. The user inserts coins or uses a credit card or mobile app to pay for a predetermined parking duration. Once the time limit is reached, the vehicle must be moved.

Parking meters help regulate the demand for parking spaces, encourage turnover, and generate revenue for local governments. The introduction of parking meters dates back to the early 20th century, with the first ones appearing in Oklahoma City in 1935. They were developed to address the growing problem of traffic congestion caused by drivers parking for extended periods, thus making it difficult for others to find available spots.

Modern pysäköintimittarit often feature digital displays and may be connected to a central system for monitoring and payment. Some systems allow for remote payment and extension of parking time, offering greater convenience to drivers. The operational rules, such as the price per hour and the maximum parking duration, are set by the municipality where the meters are located and are usually clearly indicated on or near the meter itself. Failure to pay or overstaying the allotted time can result in a parking ticket or fine.