Keep that parking space with new Honk app

By Cecilia Nasmith

Just in time for summer, the Town of Cobourg announces an improvement to the parking set-up with the new Honk app.

Residents and visitors can now take advantage of a convenient way to pay for (and renew) a parking space with the touch of a button, thanks to HonkMobile.

The app allows users to pay for their space on the spot, with no paper slip required for the windshield, And within 15 minutes of the expiry of whatever term of parking has been paid for, Honk alerts the user – who can top up the parking fee from a restaurant table, the beach or wherever he or she may be.

HonkMobile is North America's fastest and most convenient way to find and pay for parking, the town's announcement said. It is accepted at more than 1,900 locations, representing 150,000 parking spaces across Canada and the US.

“The launch in Cobourg builds off Honk's increased demand in municipalities, schools and businesses across North America,” the press release stated.

“By partnering with Honk, municipalities have increased meter revenue by up to 26% in some cases, resulting in a decline in issued parking tickets as drivers are able to extend their parking sessions remotely.

“The decrease in parking tickets saves municipalities money on printing paper tickets and the parking enforcement ticketing process, allowing them to reinvest savings into other priorities.”

Mayor Gil Brocanier predicted great results from this innovative technology.

“The on-line app will provide our citizens with an affordable alternative to pay-and-display, more convenient for drivers and visitors to Cobourg, giving them more time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings,” Brocanier said.

Honk founder and chief executive officer Michael Black said they are pleased to bring the app to Cobourg drivers.

“Honk is a win-win for municipalities and drivers,” Black said in the press release.

“We know finding parking can be frustrating, and we look forward to providing a worry-free, safe, secure and affordable parking experience.

“This partnership provides Cobourg with a reliable and inexpensive way to modernize parking, reduce congestion, pollution and wear on roads.”

To download the app (free on IOS and Android), visit www.honkmobile.com or get it through the App Store or Google Play.