Updated: Parking Meter Phone App Available Friday

Imagine you're sitting at a restaurant in Port Jefferson eating lunch or waiting in line to pay while shopping and you suddenly realize your parking meter is about to run out. You can fret about it, drop everything and run to feed the meter or whip out your smartphone and add more minutes electronically.

Not familair with that second option yet? You will be.

After some final software tests the app that will allow people to pay for parking in Port Jefferson with a smart phone should be ready for use in about two weeks, according to Trustee Larry LaPointe, who sits on the village Parking Committee.

UPDATED: The Port Jefferson village website reports that the phone application is available as of Friday. Click here for more information and to sign up.

, the village has contracted with New Jersey-based Metric Parking to upgrade its parking meter systems.

To pay with a smartphone all user had to do is scan a QR code on site and put in their car's parking spot number. Those paying by phone will also have the option to call Metric's pay-by-phone number and enter their locations through an automated system.

Each time users pay by phone (which would include using the app), a 40-cent convenience fee is charged.

LaPointe also said reported during Monday's village board meeting that new parking meters are going to be put in some time in October. He said that the process should take about two days to install the units and concrete bases.

The cost of the new meters is about $160,000 and the concrete bases will cost $9,000 to install. LaPointe said that revenue from the parking meters will cover the cost of the upgrades.

Will you use the new phone app to pay for parking in Port Jefferson village?

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.