Paying for parking with your cell phone

Officials in White Plains say this new policy is a quicker, more convenient way to park, and they are the first city in New York to try this program. Under the system, instead of using a digital multi space meter system, you will use your cell phone.

"I think it's a great first step in making White Plains a more user friendly place," said Mayor Adam Bradley.

First you have to register which you can call or do it online. You'll be prompted to enter your credit card number and parking space number, then add as much time as you need.

In the garage, parking attendants will be able to monitor things by checking a print out from the machine, a stall report, that lists all of the spaces where the time has already expired. They won't know if you used your cell or the traditional method to pay to park.

To avoid getting a ticket, you must pay attention to a text you'll get on your cell, 10 minutes before your time runs out. You can then add more time by using your cell phone.

"We're really not here hiding behind bushes trying to write tickets, what we're encouraging people to do is pay for their parking and not get tickets," said Albert Moroni, White Plains parking Commissioner.

The program is already up and running at the Waller Maple parking lot and will soon be in place at five other large garages including ones at The Galleria. Officials say they also hope to one day use the same system for street parking throughout the city.