On-street parking in downtown Salt Lake City may no longer be free after 6:00 p.m., on Saturdays, and during the December Holiday season. A straw poll of the City Council suggests there is support for these changes - as well as higher rates.
Part of Mayor Ralph Becker’s plan to raise revenue is to extend paid meter parking from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m., and to raise rates from $1.50 to $2.00 an hour. City Councilmember Jill Remington Love says she supports the rate hike, but many of her constituents oppose paying for evening parking. She thinks the city should split the difference and make it 8:00 o’clock.
“I think this is a compromise. If you’re coming down at 6:00 in the night, you’re probably going to have to pay for some parking, but not as much, and it will still be free after 8:00 p.m.,” said Love.
To make up for the revenue, Love proposes charging for parking on Saturdays and the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In budget discussions this week, the council unofficially endorsed the proposal by a 5-2 vote. The council will have to make a final decision by the time the budget is due on June 19th.