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PHONE FRUSTRATIONS
West Van rakes in $184K in first four months of pay parking at parks JANE SEYD
jseyd@nsnews.com
A pilot program to introduce pay parking in three West Vancouver parks has netted over $184,000 in just the first four months of operation. And district council has indicated it’s keen to expand the lucrative plan to as many as five more parks.
But the new parking program isn’t without its critics. Several park users have complained that cell coverage needed to use the virtual-only pay parking options is weak to non-existent in some parks, making for a frustrating experience. Other people say the lack of physical parking meters is a deterrent to older people who may not be as adept with cell phones and apps. Several groups have also requested that they be given the same $20 annual permit option as West Vancouver residents – something council will likely consider in the fall. In the meantime, several park users say it would be helpful if they could use the pay parking system more easily. Elliott Best said his choice of Lighthouse Park as a spot to propose to his girlfriend (now fiancée) almost got derailed recently when he couldn’t get a strong enough signal to use the parking app. Continued on A16
Jackie Patton attempts to use the pay-by-phone system that stymied her mother at West Vancouver’s Whytecliff Park. The pay parking system in select West Vancouver parks has racked up funds for the district while also causing frustration for some users who say they can’t use the virtual-only pay system. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN