Abstract: A parking meter device that is devoted to a separate person or vehicle comprises a housing unit 10 that has an LED 11 that in use is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. The device includes a two-way radio circuit 12, a display 14 and a keyboard 15. The unit also includes a computer 19. In use, the user communicates, using the keyboard 15, with a remote central parking service provide via radio data network channels to demand a parking period. The parking service provider checks the authenticity of the demand and approves the parking request. During lawful, paid for, parking the LED 11 remains ON so that a patrolling parking attendant can easily monitor that parking approval has been given. The parking meter device is in effect a personal device and overcomes disadvantages and limitations inherent for usual side-of-the-road parking meter devices that are devoted to parking bays or zones rather than individuals.