Fake Friday: IG-88 Droids Replace Parking Meters On City Streets

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   Coin operated parking meters will be become a thing of the past as new  IG-88 Droids will replace the less efficient meters next month.  Touted  as the “ultimate parking payment method” for city parking, the new  droids will be phased into service beginning with Preston Street and  moving east into the downtown core.

   The  City of Ottawa decided to implement the droids after recent studies  concluded that there was a 87% increase in revenue collected with the  droids over the traditional meter collection. Manufactured by Galactic  Empire Industries, the parking droids are solar powered and allow users  to pay with credit, debit or cash and then dispense a ticket that can be  displayed on the vehicle. Failure to pay for parking initiates a  penalty program in the droid that results in focused laser blasts  directed at the infracting vehicle and operator.

   “The  IG-88s have proved themselves as a successful parking meter system  throughout the world and we are excited to bring their efficient revenue  collection techniques to the streets of Ottawa.” exclaimed Beth  Helmstone, Bylaw Services Chief Officer.  “These stationary units not  only allow a more convenient method of payment but also stops people  from rolling into a parking spot that still has time on the meter.” says  Helmstone.

   The  IG-88 Droids cost over $500,000 each, but come equipped with GPS  targeting, multiple credit card interface and a 360 rotational laser.   Known for their work in tracking rogue smugglers, the droids have  recently been utilized by Bylaw Services who find them efficient and  cost saving.  “The IG-88s may look intimidating, but they really make  paying $6.00 an hour for parking a pleasurable experience.” commented  Helmstone.

 Editor's note:

Every Friday on OttawaStart, we feature a "best of" post from the-o-dot, the satircal Ottawa blog.

This article originally appeared here.