Park Atlanta responds to call to end contract with Atlanta

As Park Atlanta, the company has enforced Atlanta’s parking laws since late 2009. Moore helped write that contract.

“We knew that when we came in that there was going to be a challenge before us,” said Moore.

The challenge was Atlanta’s transition from public to private parking enforcement. Plus, Moore says Atlanta’s contract is very different than contracts Duncan has with other cities.

“It provides for the city to retain a great deal of its authority over the program,” said Moore. “So, that it has the ability to be accountable to the citizens.”

In other cities, Duncan runs everything. In Atlanta, the city sets the law and creates the parking signs. Duncan provided most of the 2500 meters and monitors them.

The company also collects parking fees and fines from tickets it writes. Now, the city gets about $5 and a half million of that revenue.

Moore knows critics complain the ticketing process has been too aggressive and meters haven’t always worked.

“I’ll be the first to say that we’re far from perfect,” said Moore. “But, I think what makes us a great operation is that we’re responsive.”

Moore says the company might change out meters that only accept coins for ones that take credit cards. He’s also looking to allowing drivers to pay with their cell phones.

“We certainly want to continue our relationship,” said Moore. “But, we also understand the city has its rights and decisions to make.”

Moore says he’s disappointed Councilman Hall wants to end the contract. It’s unclear if that will happen. A spokeswoman for Mayor Kasim Reed says the city’s still reviews the program and will adjust when needed.