Hourly parking in Nelson is now 75 cents more expensive, and significantly more expensive if you violate parking bylaws.
In January, Nelson city councillors approved increases to parking meter fees and fines, which came into effect on Apr. 15.
Hourly parking rates are now $2.00 per hour, up from $1.25, and the fines for failing to obey parking signage and maximum parking time zones have doubled.
Category one fines for expired meters are now $40, up from $25, with the early payment option (within 14 days) increased from $10 to $20.
Category two fines, for those who exceed a two-hour maximum parking zone, have jumped from $35 to $55, with the early payment option raised from $15 to $25.
Category three fines for vehicles parked at white or yellow curbs now face $80 fines, up from $50, with early payment jumping from $20 to $35.
During January’s council meeting, CAO Kevin Cormack explained that over 40 per cent of the nearly 60 percent increase to hourly rates is just to cover the cost of inflation, with the remaining 20 per cent in revenue helping the city expand and upgrade its transportation and infrastructure systems.
In addition to the rate increases, the city will also install new parking meters that will allow motorists the option of paying either cash or card, although the city has not revealed when the new systems will be installed.
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