City of
Waukegan, IL
Presenting
New Pay Stations
Smart Meters
M5 SINGLE-SPACE
SMART METER
Whether you’re shopping, dining, enjoying culture, nightlife, or events – parking has never been easier. Now you can simply park and swipe, pay with coins, or use the contactless payment option at the smart meter.
HOW IT WORKS
Single-Space
1. CHECK THE DISPLAY
Look at the smart meter’s display to find parking rates, hours, time limits, and other important information. If it is dark, press any button to light the display.
2. PAYING WITH COINS
If paying with coins, simply insert them in the coin slot until the desired time is reached on the display. Quarters, dimes, nickels, and $1 coins accepted.
3. PAYING WITH A CARD
If paying with a card, insert and remove your credit or debit card. The smart meter accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
4. SELECT AMOUNT OF TIME
With the blue [+] and [-] buttons, select the amount of time. The cost for that time will be displayed underneath.
5. CONFIRM PAYMENT
Press green [OK] button to confirm your payment, or red [CANCEL] button to stop your transaction. The meter will attempt to authorize the payment shown on the screen if neither button is pressed after 35 seconds.
6. AUTHORIZATION
Wait for authorization of the card.
*Please note that time purchased at this meter corresponds only to the adjoining parking spot. The time purchased is not transferable.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT
For another convenient mobile payment option, use your Smartphone with IPS fast and secure Contactless Payment system at the smart meter. Follow the instructions on screen to start Contactless Payment.
1. PRESS [OK]
Press the [OK] button to display this symbol on the screen:
Once it appears, place mobile device, smart watch or touch-free card over the display screen.
2. SELECT AMOUNT OF TIME
Follow the instructions on the screen to select the desired amount of time and complete secure transaction.
WATCH
THE DEMO
M5 Single-Space
Smart Meter
PARKING BROCHURE
Printable Brochure – Single-Space Smart Meters
MS3 Multi-Space
Pay Station
Pay-by-Plate
Whether you’re shopping, dining, enjoying culture, nightlife, or events – parking has never been easier. Now you can simply park and swipe, pay with coins, or use the contactless payment option at the pay station.
HOW IT WORKS
Pay Station
1. CHECK THE DISPLAY
Look at the Pay Station Smart Meter screen and find parking rates, hours, time limits and other important info. If the screen is dark, press any button and it will light up.
2. PLATE or DEBIT/CREDIT CARD
Either enter plate number or insert debit/credit card.
3. SELECT PAYMENT AMOUNT
With the [+] and [-] buttons, select your payment amount.
4. PAYING WITH COINS
If paying with coins, exact change required and coins WILL NOT be returned.
5. PAYING WITH CARD
If paying with debit or credit card, wait for authorization of the card. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.
6. CONTACTLESS PAYMENT
Once it appears, place mobile device, smart watch or touch-free card over the display screen.
7. CONFIRM PAYMENT
Press the [OK] button to confirm your payment, or [CANCEL] button to stop your transaction. The meter will attempt to authorize the payment shown on the screen if neither button is pressed after 5 seconds.
8. AMOUNT OF TIME
The display will then show the amount of paid time approved and when your time is up or the meter will request another card.
9. RECEIPT
Print and remove receipt if requested. Receipt may be kept with you or placed on dash.
10. MOBILE APP
WATCH
THE DEMO
M3 Multi-Space
Pay Station
Pay-by-Plate
PARKING BROCHURE
Printable Brochure – MULTI-SPACE PAY STATIONS
USING PARK SMARTER ™
The PARK SMARTER™ mobile app provides our citizens with a parking experience that saves time and is easy to use. To get started paying through your smartphone, visit the PARK SMARTER™ website and download the application.
Scan, tap the buttons or search “parksmarter” to download the app
1. DOWNLOAD AND REGISTER
Download the app from Google Play or IOS App Store and follow instructions to complete your registration.
2. FIND PARKING
If using Parking Finder, click on the parking location on your screen and navigate to the available spot
OR
Enter your location:
type/scan code found on the PARK SMARTER™ decal on the parking meter.
3. ENTER YOUR PARKING TIME
Add the time you wish to park and confirm your selection.
4. EXTEND YOUR PARKING
Receive notifications and extend your parking session up to the maximum time allotted.
WATCH THE DEMO
USING MY PARKING RECEIPT ™
My Parking Receipt™ is a convenient website that allows customers to view, download and print their parking receipts paid at any IPS meter.
AUTOMATICALLY EMAIL RECEIPTS
Setting to automatically email parking receipts upon close of transaction.
VIEW AND EXPORT EXPENSES
One-time customer account set-up to simply access, view, and export expenses.
USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE
My Parking Receipt™ has an easy to navigate interface.
WATCH THE DEMO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PAY STATIONS
Why is the City installing new Pay Stations and Parking Meters?
Most people visiting Waukegan arrive by vehicle. A strong parking management program is important for our downtown to be prosperous, connected, livable, active, and welcoming. The new parking meters serve two main purposes. First, the location of the meters downtown helps create turnover for downtown customers and visitors. The second benefit of the smart meters is the ease and convenience they add to the downtown parking experience through more payment options and a mobile app.
Why do we call the Pay Stations “smart”?
The IPS MS3 Pay Stations are smart because of the many options for convenient payment. They communicate wirelessly to the city to provide operational alerts and occupancy data, and to customers via smart-phone application. The MS3’s are also smart because they are powered by the sun. A solar panel on each meter powers its rechargeable battery. Overall, they will be a key tool in managing a smart public parking program that supports smart development.
When do I have to pay to park at the Pay Station?
Pay stations for city parking lots B, G, H, I, K, L, and Garage C operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Will the new technology assist people in finding parking?
The smart-phone app PARK SMARTER™ is available to download for free at app stores and features a parking locator function to help visitors find parking.
How much will it cost to park at a Pay Station?
Your total parking fee will depend on how long you are parked and where you are parked. The fee for parking at METRA lots G, H, I, K, or L is $0.50/ hour with a maximum charge of $5.00 per day. If you’re using a credit/debit card, there is a minimum purchase of $5.00. The fee for parking in lot B or Garage C is $1.00/ hour. If you’re using a credit/debit card in lot B or Garage C, there is a minimum purchase of $1.00.
What forms of payment do the Pay Stations accept?
All Pay stations accept coin, credit/debit card, or digital wallet such as Apple or Google Pay.
Which credit cards are accepted at the Pay Stations?
The Pay Stations will accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Is there a fee for using a credit card with the Pay Station?
No, there is no fee to use a credit or debit card with the smart meters. However, there is a minimum parking session required to pay by credit card.
Is there a fee to use the pay-by-cell smart-phone app?
No, there are no additional fees to use the mobile app PARK SMARTER™
Can I get a receipt for my credit card payment at the new Pay Station?
Yes. Visit https://myparkingreceipt.com and enter the requested information. A PDF receipt will be generated for the parking transaction(s) found for the credit card. You may also use the “Login” link to register your card; once that is done, you’ll automatically receive a receipt by email each time the card is used. Alternatively, when you use the PARK SMARTER™ mobile app, you can select in settings to have receipts mailed to you after each transaction.
Where can I find long term parking if I live or work in downtown Waukegan?
The city owns multiple lots and has a permit program. To purchase monthly parking permits visit https://www.thepermitportal.com
If I didn’t initially pay for the space with the app, can I add time to my parking session from the PARK SMARTER™ app?
Yes. You can use the app to purchase more time for your parking session, but you will need to know your license plate number. If you want to add more time using the PARK SMARTER™ app after your initial payment, you must enter your license plate number.
How do I pay for parking in the Garage C?
The parking spaces in Garage C at 225 N County St. are managed by Pay Stations. After you pull into a space, note your license plate number and walk to one of three pay stations on the first floor of the parking garage by Clayton St. Follow the instructions on the screen to pay for your desired amount of parking. If using the mobile app, you can complete your transaction on the app and skip the pay station altogether.
METERS
When do I have to pay to park in front of a single space parking meter?
The hours of enforcement for the parking meters are Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
What are the holidays with free parking at single space meters?
Downtown parking at single space meters is free and unlimited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
How much will it cost to park at a meter?
Your total parking fee will depend on how long you are parked. The fee for parking is 25¢ for 30 minutes. If you’re using credit card, there is a minimum purchase of $1.
What if I need to stay for longer than 2 hours since meters have a 2-hour limit?
The city owns paid lots where there is no 2 hour limit. We also offer permits for parking in lots. You can visit https://www.thepermitportal.com to purchase a monthly parking permit.
What forms of payment do the meters accept?
The single space meters located on the street accept coin, credit/debit cards, mobile app, or digital wallet such as Apple or Google Pay.
Which credit cards are accepted at the smart meters?
The meters will accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Is there a fee for using a credit card with the smart meters?
No, there is no fee to use a credit or debit card with the smart meters. However, there is a minimum parking session of one hour required to pay by credit card.
Is there a fee to use the pay-by-cell smart-phone app?
No, there are no additional fees to use the mobile app.
Can I get a receipt for my credit card payment at a new parking meter?
Yes. Visit https://myparkingreceipt.com and enter the requested information. A PDF receipt will be generated for the parking transaction(s) found for the credit card. You may also use the “Login” link to register your card; once that is done, you’ll automatically receive a receipt by email each time the card is used. Alternatively, when you use the PARK SMARTER™ mobile app, you can select in settings to have receipts mailed to you after each transaction.
If I didn’t initially pay for the space with the app, can I add time my meter from the Park Smarter app?
Yes. You can use the app to purchase more time for your meter, but you will need to know your meter number. If you want to add more time using the PARK SMARTER™ app after your initial payment, you must enter the meter number of the space where you are parked.
PARK SMARTER™
What is PARK SMARTER™?
PARK SMARTER™ by IPS Group is an app that allows you to find, pay for, and extend parking time from your iOS or Android mobile device. It also lets you view and download parking receipts.
How do I register for PARK SMARTER™?
To register, install the PARK SMARTER™ app on your mobile device. You can find the app in the Google Play Store for Android or Apple Store for iOS. In the login screen, create an account by entering the requested information.
Can I cancel my PARK SMARTER™ account?
At this time, you cannot cancel/deactivate your account. If you have further questions, please contact: support@ipsgroupinc.com .
How do I check parking rates?
To check parking rates, open the PARK SMARTER™ app and select a zone. On the next screen, click “View Parking Restrictions” to check all rates for that zone on that day.
How do I know which parking space I’m paying for?
Each meter space is marked with a number and/or QR code. When using the PARK SMARTER™ app, make sure to enter the correct meter number or scan the meter QR code at the time of payment.
Can I receive a receipt for my paid parking?
Yes, but you will first have to register your email in the PARK SMARTER™ “Settings” tab and set a Notification to send a receipt.
Can I view receipts for past PARK SMARTER™ parking events?
Yes. In the PARK SMARTER™ app, go to “Sessions,” then select the “Past Sessions” tab. Select the receipt and tap on the Email icon. A confirmation email will be sent; please check your spam folder if you don’t see it.
Can I receive notifications when my time is about to expire, expires, etc.?
Yes. You can choose to receive any combination of the following notifications: “Parking Session Started”, “Parking Session Ended” (time expired), “15-Minute Reminder” (until time expires), “10-Minute Reminder” (until time expires) , “Payment Receipt”
Can I pay for multiple parking spaces?
Yes, you can pay for multiple parking spaces at a time.
Can I extend my session beyond the “Max Time”?
No. You cannot extend your parking session beyond the allowed Max Time. You must move your vehicle immediately after the parking session has expired to avoid citation and potential towing. PLEASE NOTE: Each city sets its own Max Time policies. Always read the posted signs. You can start out legally parked, but the space may convert to “No Parking” later in the day and PARK SMARTER™ will not be able to help you extend time.
Will time show up on the meter display?
After you receive a payment confirmation from PARK SMARTER™, then your purchased time is valid for your specific parking zone or meter location—even if you don’t see it on the display. (For technical reasons, not all meters will show the purchase.)
How does enforcement know that I have paid by phone?
Parking enforcement officers will check your license plate and zone/space number to confirm that your PARK SMARTER™ payment session is valid. If you have questions or receive a ticket that you believe is in error, please contact the Waukegan Traffic Division directly.
TROUBLESHOOTING
What if I forget my password?
If you forget your password, simply click “Forgot Password” in the PARK SMARTER™ app or from your desktop browser. Then, enter your registered mobile number or email address. You will receive an email with instructions to reset your password.
I paid for the wrong meter or zone or used the wrong license plate. What should I do?
Please contact the Waukegan Traffic Division directly in order to provide them with all the necessary details. The PARK SMARTER™ team cannot transfer an incorrect transaction to a new location, meter, or plate.
I received a citation, but I paid with the PARK SMARTER™ app, and it showed time remaining. What should I do?
Please contact the Waukegan Traffic Division directly in order to provide them with all the necessary details. The PARK SMARTER™ team cannot act on a parking citation issued by the local jurisdiction.
How do I reach the PARK SMARTER™ Support Team?
To reach the PARK SMARTER™ Support Team, please contact: support@parksmarter.com. If you want to make us aware of an issue, but don’t need a reply, you can use the app’s Feedback section.
DATA COLLECTION
Why is my license plate number required?
Parking Enforcement Officers use your license plate number to verify legal metered parking. For your convenience, your plate number also verifies legal Pay-and-Display parking, so you won’t need to display a receipt on the dashboard.
Is my credit card information safe?
Yes. By law, IPS Group is required to protect your information and will not share it with third parties. All credit card information is tokenized (encrypted) and cannot be decrypted.
Does IPS Group share/sell my personal information?
No. IPS Group does not disclose information to third parties.