Electromechanical parking meter door communications interface

An electronic parking meter, comprising:

• a first section including at least one coin slot for accepting coins, a coin counting/auditing circuit operatively coupled to said at least one coin slot for keeping track of the value of coins inserted into the meter;
• a second section including a lock accessible by presenting specific data thereto, and a lock control circuit for unlocking said lock based on received specific data through a key interface;
• and
• an access device for operating said lock, comprising means for storing data for presentation to said lock control circuit, means for storing information for presentation to said coin counting/auditing circuit, and means for storing information received from said coin counting/auditing circuit;
• said second section including a vault having an opening and a vault door for covering said opening, said lock and lock control circuit being located on said vault door such that said lock locks said vault door in place over said vault opening, said vault door including at least one electrical communication terminal connected to said lock control circuit by a wire conductor;
• said vault opening including at least one electrical communication terminal for coupling with the vault door communication terminal when the vault door is secured within the vault opening, said vault opening communication terminal being connected to said coin counting/auditing circuit by an interface cable.