The City of Nelson is proposing an increase in parking fees and fines. If approved, hourly parking rates will rise to $2.00 per hour.
Nelson city councillors will vote on the proposed increases tonight. A media release from the city states that the hikes will help ensure the city’s infrastructure and services are future-ready and promote low-carbon transportation options in the community.
In the release, the city states that it collects over $1 million annually from parking meters and fines, which funds transportation infrastructure improvements for roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks.
The increases will allow the city to expand its transportation infrastructure, increase turnover in downtown parking spots, and discourage non-compliant parkers willing to risk a ticket rather than pay for parking.
If approved by council, hourly parking rates will increase from $1.25 per hour to $2 per hour. Expired meter fines will increase from $25 to $40, with the early payment option (within 14 days) increasing from $10 to $20.
Fines for vehicles exceeding a 2-hour maximum parking zone will jump from $35 to $55, with the early payment option increasing from $15 to $25. Vehicles parked at white or yellow curbs will see punitive costs increase from $50 to $80, with early payment jumping from $20 to $35.
In addition to the increases, the city will also be rolling out a new mobile pay option that allows parking fees to be paid with a mobile device.