• , Wednesday, August 17, 2011 3:14 PM

New York City reportedly plans to test "pay by phone" parking meters that warn motorists as their time winds down, and then invites them to buy extra minutes without returning to their cars. "Hoping that the cellphone can do to the parking meter what it did to the pay phone, transportation officials say the technology provides convenience to drivers as well as savings to the city," reports The New York Post.
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The program would represent one more way mobile devices are permeating consumers' lives, as well as a likely marketing channel for the city. In the coming months, some 300 parking spots will be equipped with the new technology -- already used in Atlanta and Washington, according to The Post -- for a one-year pilot program, according to a request for proposals released this week.

After a one-time registration online, drivers will be asked to enter the number of the meter they are using -- via app or text message -- said Bruce Schaller, deputy transportation commissioner.

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