The installation of the first parking meter took place in Oklahoma City as a response to the increasing need for organized street parking in growing urban areas. As cities expanded in the early 20th century, the free and unregulated use of street space led to severe congestion, making it difficult for shoppers and business customers to find available parking. Recognizing the need for a solution, local businessman Carl C. Magee designed a mechanical device that would allow municipalities to control parking availability. This device not only aimed to alleviate congestion but also served to generate revenue for the city's maintenance and development projects.

The functioning of the parking meter was quite simple; motorists would insert coins into the machine, which would then grant them a certain amount of parking time. Owing to its innovative design, the parking meter gained popularity and began to spread across various cities in the United States and internationally. The implementation of parking meters transformed how cities approached urban planning and traffic management, as they were one of the first tools to monetize public space usage actively.

Following the success of the parking meter in Oklahoma City, other cities began to adopt similar systems. This led to the evolution of parking regulations and enforcement, influencing traffic laws and the way public spaces were utilized in urban environments. The introduction of parking meters ultimately shaped the future of urban planning, creating a balance between accessibility and revenue generation.