CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Failing to pay at the parking meters in Uptown and South End in Charlotte is officially going to cost you.
On Sept. 3, paid parking rules officially took effect. Previously, street parking was free after 6 p.m., but now you'll have to pay at the parking meter from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Public street parking has a two-hour time limit and the rate is set at $1.50 an hour for the more than 1,200 metered parking spaces in Uptown and South End, so these new changes will mean paying more to stay parked even longer.
Anyone who stays beyond that two-hour time limit without paying again could be given a $25 citation.
This change is due to a Strategic Parking Plan the Charlotte Department of Transportation introduced in 2022.
The city gave people a grace period to adjust to the changes, but that's now over.
The city of Charlotte decided on the parking changes this year, hoping that extending paid parking hours from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. will generate more turnover during peak parking hours.
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It’s also in an effort to promote off-street options for long-term parking needs and enhance safety by ensuring people comply with parking rules. Additionally, it's a plus for local businesses as more spots to park will be available more frequently.
Sustain Charlotte previously said they believe it would make streets safer for all.
"I think it's a smart move overall for everyone," Eric Zaverl with Sustain Charlotte said. " There's always a spot available, you don't have to drive around the block several times."
Still, these changes continue to be unpopular with those who don't like to pay for parking to begin with. For anyone who does get a parking citation, it can be appealed online.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.