This summer, there’s an app for parking in Dewey

Drivers in Dewey Beach will be able to pay for parking with their phones this summer.

The town has entered into an one-year agreement with Parkmobile for the 2015 tourist season, according to Mary Dunmyer, the town’s project director.

Parkmobile will be offered for all metered spots in town and serve as an additional way for drivers to pay to park, Town Manager Marc Appelbaum said, adding in the past, the town has experienced connectivity issues with the Duncan system it uses to manage parking.

The use of Parkmobile has spread throughout the Delaware beaches in recent years. Rehoboth Beach was first in the area to introduce the service in 2012, when officials drew inspiration from the service in action in Washington, D.C. Bethany Beach followed suit in June 2014, while Lewes did the same in September.

Appelbaum believes bringing in Parkmobile will empower drivers.

“It’s just a friendly way to do it,” he said. “I think people are used to it and I hope the people will appreciate this taking care of some of our parking problems.”

Dewey Beach will not gain or lose money by implementing Parkmobile, Appelbaum said. Parking meter rates are $1.50 per hour. A 50-cent convenience fee implemented by Parkmobile will be tacked on to each phone transaction, similar to what happens in other local resort towns.

The town has the option to renew the contract if all goes well, Dunmyer said.

The service has been a success in Rehoboth, according to Carol Everhart, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. A Parkmobile user, herself, Everhart said it’s easy and convenient for users, as long as their cars are pre-registered in the app.

Not only does the app eliminate the need to lug around quarters, but with many visitors coming to Dewey Beach from metropolitan areas that may already use Parkmobile, there is already a sense of familiarity, she said.

“We’re pleased Dewey is doing it,” she said. “I think it can only be a positive for the visitor and the town.”

Paid parking season in Dewey Beach is from May 15-Sept. 15. During that time, parking meters are in effect from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Wednesday and from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. the rest of the week.

Contact Jon Bleiweis at jbleiweis@dmg.gannett.com or at 443-210-8125.