Merchants in downtown Lehighton are considering asking Lehighton Borough Council to replace the parking meters, for a trial period, with limited free parking. Heading the discussion and field questions was Lionel Cote, Lehighton chief of police. He told the merchants that although the parking meters provide a little revenue, their main purpose is to control vehicle parking in the downtown. Cote said, "Removing the meters seems to be, among merchants, the most popular decision. But without some sort of policing, it could be disastrous."