Ohio lawmakers want to require cash, credit cards as payment for parking

Should you be allowed to pay for parking with cash or a credit card instead of a mobile payment? At least two state lawmakers think so.

State Reps. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, and Elgin Rogers, D-Toledo, introduced House Bill 442, which would require municipalities to accept cash and credit card payments in addition to mobile payments from apps, QR codes and other electronic methods.

"In a free market, we should be able to pay for things in multiple ways," said Lorenz, adding that these options are particularly important for older Ohioans or those without a smartphone.

Ohio Mayors Alliance Executive Director Keary McCarthy said the idea is well-intentioned, but it once again takes power from local leaders to address residents' concerns and substitutes a heavy-handed state solution. The problems would be better addressed at city hall than the Statehouse, McCarthy said.

Ohio lawmakers have blocked cities from enforcing their own gun laws, tobacco restrictions, plastic bag restrictions, regulating towing companies and more. "There just needs to be a better way for state and local leaders to navigate the complexities of home rule," McCarthy said.

Several cities offer coin or credit card options − but not at every meter.

For example, Columbus uses the ParkColumbus app, but drivers can also scan a code on the parking sign, call the number on the sign or text "park" to that number. In addition, parking kiosks allow individuals to pay via credit or debit card or with coins (but not dollar bills," according to the city's Department of Parking Services.

In Cincinnati, parking meters can accept credit cards or coins in addition to the mobile payment options, CincyEZPark and PayByPhone. The majority of parking transactions are now digital, according to the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Community & Economic Development, Parking Division.

"In all our efforts to expand mobile payment options, we’ve ensured residents retain access to physical multi-space meters that accept alternative forms of payment – including coin and/or credit card – within the vicinity of the parking area, as a reflection of Cincinnati’s values of accessibility and convenience," according to a parking division statement.

Akron's meters accept credit cards, coins and payments through the Flowbird app. However, dollar bills are not accepted.

Lorenz said every meter wouldn't need to accept every payment, as long as an alternative to mobile payments is accessible and reasonably close. "I'm just trying to put something in place that's fair and equitable to everybody."

Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.