JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – For years, the City of Jackson has lost an untold amount of revenue because of broken parking meters in the downtown area. Now, city leaders hope to fix that with new touchscreen kiosks.

Though it’s an added cost, some see it as a sign of progress in the right direction for the capital city.

“I think they are a great addition to the city. It also helps bring in, if they do correctly, bring in more revenue. I’m all for it. Anything that’s going to help to uplift and upgrade the City of Jackson, we need that,” said Glenn Griffith.

Cost for parking is $1.00 an hour. Despite the new rule, which went into effect on May 1, many people were seen parking without paying. Some said the kiosks are another way the city is trying to pinch people’s pockets.

“I absolutely disagree with it because, you know, Jackson, you have to pay a lot of taxes here. You have to pay for your tag. You got to pay your property taxes. And I feel like there should be enough reimbursement to go to the cause. That’s how I feel personally. I get it, though, but I disagree with it,” said Joy Moore.

With more money at the city’s disposal, people said they want to see it put to a good use.

“I think the money should go toward the infrastructure, potholes, and then from there, let that money filter all the way down and take care of a lot of the necessities in the City of Jackson or in the state of Mississippi, if necessary,” said Charlie Johnson.

“I think it’s a good way to collect that additional revenue that could help support some of the infrastructure or some of the, you know, different kinds of needs that the city might have,” said Clifton Addison.

There is a two week grace period, but the Jackson Police Department (JPD) and the meter managing company SP Plus will enforce the new requirement.