Officials in Stamford are celebrating the arrival of a new, "smarter" way to pay for parking downtown.

Seventy-two so-called "smart meters" have been installed on Bedford Street, between Broad Street and Walton Place.

The machines take coins, as well as credit and debit cards.

Mayor David Martin says the current meters have outlived their usefulness.

“These meters are old, and they are breaking down frequently, and they are not very customer convenient; and I don't know about anyone else but I just don't carry quarters anymore,” says Martin. “It’s an annoyance and so bring these along will have the ability to take credit cards is a step forward because credit cards are almost universal.”

The city is also testing a pilot program which allows drivers to punch in their license plate and pay by card at the Bedford Street Parking garage.