Steve
Penultimate Amazing
I don't disagree, but it sounds like the issue is the way your jurisdiction chose to implement their payment system.
I've seen more than a few municipalities change from individual coin operated meters (at considerable savings) and they have all had a number of centralized pay stations which take coins, bills, and credit cards. Some (as happened here in Durham) later added an alternative to pay by smartphone app. But it definitely isn't the only available method to pay.
Not so much "chose to implement", rather not bothering to upgrade an old system. Free parking is so prevalent here that few find it necessary to feed a meter. We are not exactly in the forefront of technology here. Suits me fine.
Anyway, trivial sidetrack has run its course.