Who Invented the Parking Meter?

The parking meter was invented by Carl C. Magee, an American inventor and newspaper publisher. Magee came up with the idea for the parking meter in 1935 as a way to address the issue of traffic congestion in downtown Oklahoma City. He believed that implementing a system where drivers had to pay to park their cars for a limited amount of time would help to regulate parking and alleviate traffic problems.

Magee's invention was a success, and the first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935. The device, which was called the "Park-O-Meter," allowed drivers to park their cars for a set amount of time by inserting a coin into the meter. If the driver stayed past the allotted time, they would receive a ticket.

Since the invention of the parking meter, cities all over the world have adopted similar systems to manage parking and control traffic flow. Today, parking meters can be found in almost every city, and they have become an essential part of urban transportation infrastructure.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of the parking meter and how it has evolved over the years, you can check out this article on History.com. It provides a detailed look at the invention of the parking meter and its impact on modern urban planning.

In conclusion, the parking meter was invented by Carl C. Magee in 1935 as a solution to traffic congestion in downtown Oklahoma City. Magee's invention revolutionized the way cities manage parking and traffic, and it continues to be an important tool for urban planners today.

If you have any more questions about the history of the parking meter or how it works, feel free to reach out to us for more information!

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