Chicago parking malfunction prompts chaos

CHICAGO, May 28 (UPI) -- A Chicago Parking Meters spokeswoman says it remains unclear what caused nearly 250 new parking boxes to malfunction, causing chaos for drivers.

Company spokeswoman Avis LaVelle said it took parking workers most of Wednesday to repair the malfunctioning boxes that sent Chicago residents and parking officials scrambling, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

"There is a commitment to do everything necessary to determine the source of the problem and rectify it," LaVelle said of the most recent parking problem in Chicago.

Wednesday's problems with the new pay-and-display parking boxes comes after scores of parking meters throughout the city broke down in March, prompting City Hall and Chicago Parking Meters LLC to find an alternative.

The $1.15 billion deal that turned over the city parking operation to a private company resulted in a dramatic increase parking rates for the city's 36,000 metered spots, the Tribune said.

The newspaper said those facing malfunctioning boxes Wednesday were spared potential tickets as police officers were ordered to avoid issuing parking tickets until the boxes could be repaired.