Jackson, Miss.—Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba is pushing back against complaints from residents about the city’s new paid parking system, which has been in place since reinstated months ago. The digital kiosks have generated an estimated $2 million annually for the city, but some residents are concerned that the system is too complex and expensive.
Residents, including former Hinds County Board Supervisor David Archie, have expressed frustration with the lack of information provided to elderly residents about how the kiosks work and the high cost of parking citations. Archie accused the company managing the system, SP Plus Corporation, of being “money-hungry” and putting profit over people.
However, Mayor Lumumba disagrees, stating that the revenue generated by the paid parking system is sorely needed in a city with thin budget. He plans to work with residents to address their concerns, including installing additional kiosks for elderly or disabled residents and improving communication about how the system works.
The current hourly rate for parking downtown using the SP Plus kiosks is $1 per hour, payable by cash or card. Citations start at $24.50 and rise to $44.50 if not paid by the deadline. Mayor Lumumba has committed to meeting with residents to hear their concerns and find solutions to make the system more accessible to all.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mayor-lumumba-defends-jacksons-new-parking-meters-it-is-revenue-that-is-sorely-needed