New Parking Program Coming To Westfield: See What's Changing

WESTFIELD, NJ — Securing spots to park around the Town of Westfield will be easier, starting Oct. 27, but also comes with a slightly higher price tag.

In the first phase of a new online parking permit system, the Town said it is beginning its efforts to improve customer service and make operations more convenient for everyone involved.

Beginning on Oct. 31, daily parking passes will only be available for purchase using the ParkVANTAGE online portal. The Town will begin phasing this in gradually on Oct. 27 with both traditional, in-person and the new online passes both being offered for a few final days.

Eventually, renewing and purchasing annual permits and other actions will also be added to the online-only format.

Everyone looking to pay for parking in Westfield must have a ParkVANTAGE login to use their online portal. This includes annual permits, daily tags, or signing up for a wait list.

There will no longer be in-person visits, widow stickers, or hang tags. Vehicle plates will serve as permits.

All current permit holders and wait list participants should have already received an email from ParkVANTAGE in order to activate their new accounts.

Renewing and purchasing annual permits will not be available until December. At that time, new emails will be sent out to notify holders when they can log in and pay.

The Town encourages all current holders to finish their accounts prior to the renewal emails in order to avoid delays.

Daily parking passes will only be available as early as 12:01 a.m. on the day you wish to park. Westfield is working with ParkVANTAGE to allow for purchases to be made the day before, which should be in effect early next year.

On Sept. 30, councilmembers unanimously approved an ordinance that moved the process of securing a spot in the commuter South Avenue train station lot online. Currently, purchasers must be at the lot to buy a daily ticket in the morning from a Westfield Police officer for $5.

"Many people come down in their pajamas," added Town Administrator Jim Gildea. "They know the officers that are there, it's been that way for decades."

The added convenience does come with a price tag, with prices rising from $5 to $7 when sales go online. Daily parking will also now be sold for the Watterson Street lot for $5.

Anyone with questions is directed to contact the Parking Division at parking@wpdnj.org or 908-789-4044.

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