Jersey Shore Town Sees a 1600% Surge in Parking Tickets as New App Payment System Debuts

Jersey Shore Town Sees a 1600% Surge in Parking Tickets as New App Payment System Debuts

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The introduction of a new app payment system for parking in Stone Harbor, a popular Jersey Shore resort town, has led to a significant increase in parking tickets. NJ.com reported that the ParkMobile app, which replaced the previous kiosks that accepted cash and credit cards, has resulted in a staggering 1,600% surge in parking violations compared to the same month the previous year. While the new system provides convenience and efficiency, it has also raised concerns among some residents and council members.

Stone Harbor Police Chief Thomas J. Schutta reported to the borough’s council that the number of parking tickets issued in May, the first month of using the ParkMobile app, soared to 564, a significant rise from the mere 33 tickets issued in May of the previous year, as was reported by nj.com. These figures illustrate a dramatic surge in parking violations, suggesting that the implementation of the new app payment system has led to heightened enforcement.

According to the borough’s website, the fine for a parking violation is $34 if paid before the court date. NJ.com reported that with the substantial increase in tickets, Stone Harbor may have generated at least $19,000 in parking violation fines in May alone. This influx of revenue from parking fines can be attributed to the enhanced enforcement capabilities of the ParkMobile app, allowing authorities to more efficiently enforce parking regulations.

Motorists now pay for parking by linking their credit card to an account on the ParkMobile app, accessible on their mobile devices, as was reported by NJ.com.  To identify vehicles that have paid, users are required to enter their license plate, make, and model information. Alternatively, those who prefer not to download the app can pay for parking by calling ParkMobile’s customer service line. The NJ.com report also indicated that signs displaying five-digit codes are posted in paid parking areas, enabling users to purchase and renew parking time remotely in various increments. However, it is worth noting that each purchase incurs a 30-cent transaction fee, the report stated. Moreover, the app provides timely alerts to users when their parking time is about to expire, ensuring compliance with parking regulations.

During a recent borough council meeting, a council member questioned whether the police were being “too strict” in issuing tickets under the new system. In response, Police Chief Schutta emphasized that officers in the previous year had issued more warnings than tickets, according to the NJ.com report. The chief clarified that the new app system allows for seamless enforcement of parking laws, suggesting that the increase in parking violations is a result of stricter enforcement rather than an overzealous approach by law enforcement officials.

ParkMobile’s website indicates that there are over 1 million users of the app across the state, including several cities such as Jersey City, Hoboken, New Brunswick, Asbury Park, Ocean City, Wildwood, and Belmar, the NJ.com report said.  Additionally, the app offers parking reservation services for concerts and sports events at the Prudential Center in Newark. NJ.com also reported that tts widespread availability extends beyond New Jersey, encompassing cities along the Northeast corridor from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia and New York City.