Electronic parking meter system and method

摘要

A parking meter system is provided and includes (a) a communication system (10) including (i) a communication network (14) covering a geographical region; and (ii) a plurality of mobile communication devices (16) being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with the communication network; (b) a plurality of parking locations (20) in the geographical region identifiable by individual markings (22); and (c) a central electronic data processing and storage unit (24) bi-directionally communicating with the plurality of mobile communication devices through the communication network. Upon spotting an unoccupied parking location, a user communicates a marking associated therewith via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.