Free-Parking Hours Cut In Haddonfield As Meters Go Cashless: Here's Why

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Haddonfield has fully switched to a cashless system for public-parking fees. When that change went into effect Friday, the borough also reduced free-parking hours for its downtown streets and municipal lots.

Additionally, Haddonfield introduced a Senior Parking Pass for residents 60 and older that will go into effect next year. (Find more info below.)

The borough completed the last phase of its transition to cashless parking through the Premium Parking System, with changes going into effect Sept. 1. The digital system offers payment via kiosk, CameraPay, TextPay or through the Premium Parking app or website.

Previously, the borough offered free public parking after 6 p.m. and on weekends. Haddonfield's new pay-to-park hours for downtown streets and borough lots run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday parking remains free.

Premium Parking also charges users an additional "service fee" on top of parking costs. The fee costs 35 cents per parking session, no matter that session's duration.

The expansion of paid-parking hours will help reduce residential taxpayers' overall burden, according to Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich.

"Paid parking has existed for decades as it represents an opportunity to offset costs associated with waste collection, visual enhancements, and even public safety functions within the Downtown, which we are working even harder to grow into a true destination within the region," Bianco Bezich said via a borough spokesperson. "Instead of imposing a burden solely upon our residential taxpayers, paid parking is a method of capturing revenue from those who drive in to enjoy our shopping & dining, as well as larger experiential events and festivals."

The Premium Parking app sends drivers an alert text when time is running out, allowing them to purchase more time without running to a kiosk. App users can also move their car from one Premium Parking zone to another as long as time remains on their parking session.

Senior Parking Pass

Haddonfield's Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 27 to authorize a new Senior Parking Pass. The pass for borough residents 60 and older will cost $20 annually, going into effect New Year's Day.

The Haddonfield Police Department will handle registration, and the borough said it will release details soon on how to sign up.