CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Free parking in the evenings is now a thing of the past for people in Uptown and South End.
Previously, street parking was free after 6 p.m., but as of Sept. 3, you'll have to pay at the parking meter until 10 p.m.
This change is due to a Strategic Parking Plan the Charlotte Department of Transportation introduced in 2022.
Public street parking has a two-hour time limit and the rate is set at $1.50 an hour, so these new changes will mean paying more to stay parked even longer.
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.
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.
While the public adjusts to the parking changes, the city says it will just issue warning citations to people who don't comply from Sept. 3 through Sept. 14.
Fines will start being issued on Monday, Sept. 16.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.