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Billings and Collections
Roanoke Uses Handheld Parking Ticket Computers
 The City of Roanoke's downtown parking enforcement officers use handheld computers that print easy-to-read tickets on waterproof paper. These new handheld devices serve to reduce human error stemming from illegible writing, data entry errors or weather-damaged tickets. The new machines also save the city money by eliminating the manual data entry required to input handwritten information into the computer system.
Motorists who park illegally downtown will see bright yellow payment envelopes marked “Parking Ticket” on their windshields. The weatherproof tickets – written in blue and black ink – will be located inside the envelope. Payment instructions are written on the reverse side of the ticket.
“The new handheld devices enables us to reduce our manual workload and process tickets more quickly,” said Dana Long, Manager of the Roanoke’s Billings and Collections. “Use of this new technology not only allows us to operate more efficiently, but it also provides better tools that will allow parking to be more available to visitors and businesses.”
 Here’s how the handheld devices work: parking enforcement officers key in violation details into the mobile ticket machines, which weigh about two pounds. Using a stylus, the officers fill in information such as license plate number, vehicle make and model, color, location and type of offense. The machine displays a summary for the officer to verify before printing a citation on receipt-style slick paper that can withstand harsh weather. Ticket information then can be automatically uploaded into the system and used to track payments and delinquent accounts.
At this time, the new devices are only being used in the downtown area; the pink handwritten tickets will continue to be used as needed and in other areas of the city.
The goal of parking enforcement is to provide fair parking opportunities, which includes encouraging off-street parking for those who need to park for extended periods of time. The City of Roanoke issues, on average, 25,000 parking tickets each year and collects, on average, $492,000 in parking fines.
Parking offenders take up valuable parking space that may be needed by visitors and even the disabled. Through equitable, fair and consistent parking enforcement, the city is able to ensure greater safety and availability of spaces for everyone.
For more information on Parking Tickets, please visit the City of Roanoke Web site, www.roanokeva.gov/parking, call 540-853-2880 or email us at billings@roanokeva.gov.
For information on Roanoke's parking garages and lots for offstreet parking, please call (540) 343-0585 or email parking@roanokeva.gov
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