Abstract: A parking meter capable of being operated without the use of a monetary coin. The parking meter is intended to be used with an account card incorporating a read/write memory (e.g. a magnetic strip) pre-recorded with a monetary value. The parking meter has a body with a slot or the like for receiving the account card, means for reading the memory on the card, a comparator for comparing information from the memory with stored information, a timer for measuring a predetermined time period, an indicator for indicating the elapse of the time period, a start mechanism for the timer having an enabling or disabling control governed by the comparator and an amending device for amending the memory on the account card to deduct the value of the parking period bought by the user.