The meter records such information as occupancy and vacancy time, as well as revenue generated. When pointed toward the meter, a hand-held remote control device containing compatible software extracts the data collected inside the meter. Or they may discover that in a two-hour parking district, the majority of cars are parking for two hours and 15 minutes. A solution would be to allot a three-hour time limit. Both Yost and some municipalities anticipate initial resistance to the meter.
Cities can program the meters to be as hard-nosed or as lenient as they choose.
While cities are mindful of the meter's revenue-producing capabilities, many are hesitant to enforce them for fear of backlash from motorists. New York City recognizes that motorists and retailers may dislike the meter and are not planning to utilize all of the meter's capabilities. Larry Berman, director of the Bureau of Parking, Department of Transportation, said that the city is adjusting their 50 prototypes to be as lenient as their mechanical meters. The city will be testing the meters for six months, starting sometime in July or August. While some cities are taking only three months to test the meters, Berman said they need more time to test the meters in all sorts of conditions.