Time Expired for Downtown Parking Meters

Monday, July 21, 2008 09:58 PM

Time may have expired for parking meters in most spots in the downtown core.

Prince George, B.C.- After three years, the Downtown Transportation study is complete and downtown parking meters are on their way out.

The final report has been presented and it's recommendations approved by Prince George City Council. The most significant change is the recommendation that parking meters be removed from the downtown and a two hour limit be put in place. That recommendation is for a two year trial period.

The loss of the meters would mean the City would stand to lose $195 thousand dollars a year in meter fees. Meters would be used only in areas of short-term demand such as around post offices and banks, where the time limit would be one-half hour.

Eliminating meters could be offset by higher fines. The study says while the City may wish to keep the fines at the current $10.00 mark the report “fines must be significant enough to act as a deterrent”. Warning tickets would be eliminated and the ticket rate will be $25 per infraction. Increased enforcement is a must.

Other recommendations call for:

· 4^th and Second Avenues to be changed to take two way traffic between Victoria and Queensway.

· Install a bus stop on the south side of 4th Avenue, West of Dominion Street

· Develop a late night bus.

· Provide Signage, painted bicycle lanes and places to park and lock bikes

· Curbs must be cut to accommodate wheelchairs

· Improve visibility at crosswalks

· Conduct an enforcement campaign - for example, at locations where crosswalks are appropriately signed,conduct “crosswalk stings.” Arrange appropriate media coverage, so education is a component is also involved.

· Educate drivers and pedestrians about their rights and responsibilities at crosswalks.

Councilor Brian Skakun says removing the meters would mean there would a need for three more parking staff to chalk tires. Bill Gaal , the Superintendent of Operations, says the money raised through the fines would cover the cost of extra staff.

Councilor Shirley Gratton says she too welcomes the removal of the parking meters and the change to two way streets, but she is concerned about tourists visiting downtown and getting a ticket. Administration says tourist or not, a ticket is a ticket and if it isn't paid it will go to collection.

Instead, Administration will put together a visit Prince George package that will explain to tourists that the time limit is two hours.

Councilor Sherry Sethen said there would have to be an education program to let people know that while the meters are gone, there still is a two hour limit and the penalties are greater.

Councilor Murry Krause, says the change back to two way streets will "calm down" those two streets as he sees traffic moving too quickly. He is concerned about the need to educate drivers and pedestrians about crosswalks.

Councilor Glenn Scott was practically giddy "Finally we're getting rid of those parking meters, I really want to celebrate this."

Bill Gaal says the light at 2nd and Queensway could be removed this summer.

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Posted on Monday, July 21, 2008 09:58 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Norm1 on July 21 2008 10:44 PM

I am sure that many transit users will be happy to see the arrival of a bus stop at the location on the south side of 4th avenue and west of Dominion street. That downtown bus stop has been needed ever since buses started travelling down 4th avenue and turning right on Dominion Street.

Posted by: lmorg on July 22 2008 7:58 AM

The downtown street people were always counted on to hit a few meters to get some qwuick cash. Wonder where they'll go now?

Posted by: s8fsj on July 22 2008 8:59 AM

I don't understand taking away the meter if its still a two hour limit. They are just losing money this way I think. Besides how many times have you walked back to your vehicle and wiped the chalk mark off and keep going? As long as you don't drive something that stands out, no problems.

Posted by: MrPG on July 22 2008 9:53 AM

The two hour limit is there partially to discourage employees of the downtown businesses taking up all the available parking.

Also, removing the meters is in response to many people who said they won't come downtown to plug a meter when parking is free everywhere else (at the mall, the big box stores, etc.)

Really, if you're going downtown, two hours is more than enough time to take care of whatever you need to do. If you need longer, there's longer term parking lots.

Posted by: Death to Socialism on July 22 2008 12:47 PM

It's about the inconvenience, not the lousy 2 bits. A person doesn't always have a quarter & the damn meters won't take anything else.

Posted by: Bridge on July 22 2008 2:12 PM

Are these people at city hall asleep. I dont think they know what goes on on 3rd Avenue. Anytime I have gone to the down town area and thats about twice a month the parking stalls a all full.You have to park above Vitoria or close to George street to find an empty parkinf spot.

There is no reason why these parking meters should go. If they bring in $195,000.per year For those who dont want to shop downtown because of the parking meters they probably dont get much satisfaction from the shops on 3rd avenue and would enjoy shopping at the American Wal Mart a lot more.

There is far much parking space down town. The people that work there should be riding the bus and leaving the pakiing areas for cutomers. Ther are to hughe parkades down town filled by the merchants and their staff.

All the civic facilities have huge parking lots right at their door areas that should accent the building with landscaping.The parking lot at City Hall could be replaced with vegitation and native artifacts not asphalt for parking.

Its time we left our cars at home and started walking. You would get a different perspective on things and you would be much healthier.

Cheers

Posted by: Harbinger on July 22 2008 5:23 PM

Easier to get panhandled while walking instead of driving.