NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The City of New Orleans announced changes to on-street parking meter rates, hours of enforcement and cost of parking ticket violations. The new rates and hours will result in more efficient management and utilization of the City’s on-street curb space and go into effect on Monday, January 11, 2016.
The increase in hours of operation and moving towards fair market pricing are consistent with best practices and expert advice that parking meter rates should be based on demand. By using fair market pricing for short-term on-street parking, we can decrease traffic congestion and increase accessibility which will ultimately improve commerce.
Parking Meter Rate Adjustment
Beginning January 11, 2016, on-street parking meter rates will be adjusted. In the French Quarter, Marigny, Central Business District and Warehouse District, on-street parking meter rates will be adjusted to $3.00 an hour. Parking meter rates will be adjusted to $2.00 an hour everywhere else in the city of New Orleans.
Hours of Enforcement Extended to 7 p.m.
Beginning January 11, 2016, hours of enforcement for on-street metered parking spaces will be extended from the current 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. operating hours to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. operating hours. Parking enforcement will continue to be Monday through Saturday. This compromise agreement is reduced from the original plan of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. enforcement.
Parking Ticket Violation Prices to Increase
As part of the compromise to reduce the expansion of enforcement hours, the City Council has committed to increase parking ticket prices from $20 to $30. Such a change will go before the City Council in January.
City Working with RTA to Expand Downtown Transit Services
One of the major comments from workers is that public transportation options are limited late at night requiring more workers to drive cars. In order to better serve residents and workers employed in the French Quarter and downtown, the City is working with the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to expand transit services including bus line hours of operation. In January and February 2016, RTA will begin public hearings on expanding transit services hours into downtown. RTA anticipates expanded services will begin this coming spring 2016.
New Parking Meters and Pay-by-Phone Parking Service
In fall 2014, the City began installing new, improved solar-powered parking meters. The new parking meters include video touchscreens with user instructions available in English, Spanish, French and Vietnamese. The new parking meters feature the City’s pay-by-phone parking service, Parkmobile. To register with the new pay-by-phone service provider, visit www.parkmobile.com from your computer or smart phone.
Setting up new pay-by-phone account requires:
- Vehicle license plate number;
- A credit or debit card;
- Mobile phone number; and
- E-mail address.
Once account is set up, follow the prompts to enter in the meter “parking zone” number. Using the City’s pay-by-phone feature requires a $.35 per transaction fee, in addition to the meter space rental. Expect an e-mail confirmation when account is set up, e-mail confirmation that payment was accepted and a notification text/e-mail 15-minutes prior to the meter expiring to remind the motorist to add time to the meter rental or to complete the transaction.
