The First-Ever Coupon Printing Parking Meter

Rockville Centre will soon host the world’s first-ever parking meters that print coupons for local stores.

The village partnered with meter company Parkeon and MasterCard for the 10 units, which will replace standing meters on Park Avenue from Lincoln Avenue to College Place in the next two weeks. As drivers, or pedestrians, pay for parking or walk by, the meters will offer coupons for village businesses.

“I’m proud of the role we have played in driving a number of firsts within our village,” Mayor Francis Murray said. “A parking meter on its own might not sound exciting. But, when combined with the potential to drive additional business to your store, it becomes a little more interesting.”

The kiosks, which cost $10,000 each, were purchased at a discount for $6,600 each, Murray said. They are solar powered, and also accept credit and debit cards. Users will be able to select from several real-time offers, with the coupons printing from the unit.

Parkeon and MasterCard representatives will soon visit Rockville Centre merchants.

“We specifically chose Rockville Centre for its diversity of businesses, and the village has been a trusted client,” said Sean Renn, of Parkeon. “Our goal is to bring more to the consumers and businesses.”

In a press release, Parkeon and MasterCard said that what sets this program apart is that “it will not require complex sign up processes or smartphone app installation.” The companies will determine whether the program will be expanded based on its performance in Rockville Centre, with a target of early 2014 for other locations in the U.S. and Europe.

“The way we shop is changing, and today’s shopper wants to feel that they are getting the best and most personalized experience possible,” Hany Fam of MasterCard said in a release. “We can start the retail experience from the moment we get out of our cars.”

To see the meter in action, check out the video above.