Charleston to replace physical parking meters with ParkMobile

The City of Charleston is beginning a modernization of its peninsula parking infrastructure by transitioning from traditional physical meters to the digital ParkMobile system. The phase-out of physical meters is scheduled to begin on the eastern side of the peninsula, with the full transition expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2027.

Under the new system, drivers can manage parking sessions via the ParkMobile app, a website, or by telephone, ensuring accessibility for those without smartphones. The system utilizes license plate recognition, eliminating the need for physical tickets on vehicle dashboards. Users will receive mobile notifications before their parking time expires and can extend sessions remotely.

Mayor William Cogswell stated that the move aims to improve mobility and support local commerce by making parking more efficient. This initiative is part of the city’s broader Tourism Management Plan, designed to mitigate the impact of tourism and prioritize the needs of local residents and workers.