Parking meter

A parking meter is a device used to collect money in exchange for the right to park an automobile etc. in a particular place for a limited amount of time. By inserting coin (or credit card, smart money, etc...) into a slot, and turning a handle (or pressing a key...), a timer is set within the meter. A dial or display on the meter indicates how much time is remaining.

Parking meters are usually relatively small boxes attached to the top of a sturdy metal pole. They are exposed to the elements and to vandals so protection of the device and its cash contents is a priority.

Parking meters are usually seen along the curb of a street, but are sometimes used within parking garages as well.

An alternative system is the car park ticket machine[?].