Chalk Talk

It’s fascinating that federal courts have taken the stance that police “chalking tires” to keep track of how long people are taking up parking spaces is unconstitutional — something about it being a violation of Fourth Amendment rights against the government “trespassing” on private property, like your car. Who knew that a piece of chalk could be an instrument of government overreach.

Nevertheless, that is now the law, and local communities are adjusting to the new world by rethinking parking enforcement. Frankly, it’s overdue: Villages in particular should have a reasonable, well-enforced plan for making sure its precious parking spaces in the business district are available to visitors who can find convenient places to stop, get out and spend money.

Westhampton Beach Village Police found themselves in a bit of a bind: There are no meters on the street to help tally the two-hour limit on Main Street parking. Disarmed of chalk, they will try something new this summer: a handheld electronic device that reads a vehicle’s license plate and keeps track of how long it’s taking up valuable parking real estate.

It’s inexpensive — trying out one device will cost only $3,000 — and seems a simple answer. But it’s worth noticing that the device is produced by the same company, FBS Parking Solutions, that has been hired by East Hampton and Sag Harbor villages to reinvent paid parking in those communities. Mayor Maria Moore firmly states that Westhampton Beach will not follow suit with paid parking — and, honestly, that’s a smart stance for the village, because there should be no deterrents for anyone thinking of coming to the village for a shopping trip.

Still, it’s something to keep an eye on. The siren’s song of revenue will be difficult to block out. Sag Harbor, for example, earned more than $57,000 in its first summer with the company managing paid spaces on busy Long Wharf.

The whole idea, though, should not be to make money — paid parking is designed to emphasize that premium parking spaces need to have rapid turnover, which benefits the merchants, restaurants and other village businesses. People who struggle to find a parking space will simply find alternatives. Paid parking should pay for itself, perhaps, but it shouldn’t become a cash cow.

Westhampton Beach seems to have exactly the right idea, exchanging chalk for electronics, but keeping the spaces free for two hours. This fall, it will be instructive to see how it works out.