Fifteen Telkor multi-bay meters were introduced in Lambeth in 1994 as part of a trial of parking equipment which was resistant to vandalism. They were designed to replace the conventional meters which were frequently being vandalised. At the time of this study, the Secretary of State's approval was required for all parking control devices used in conjunction with Traffic Regulation Orders to control parking places. This was the second London borough which obtained and introduced such a system. A study of this new equipment was undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory to determine the effectiveness of this innovatory system (equipment and signage) in controlling parking without disadvantaging the motorist or the local authority. A questionnaire and video survey were conducted after the multi-bay meters had been introduced. Data from the borough, concerning the reliability of the meters, were analysed and comments from the traffic wardens were also taken into consideration. The results from the study indicated that the meters had a good resistance to vandalism but motorists were not wholly confident with the multi-bay system and they experienced difficulties with the equipment throughout the trial period. (A)
Abstract