Durham parking violators could soon be seeing double
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Durham transportation officials say more drivers are exceeding their time limit in on-street parking spaces, especially in the downtown area.
They're hoping a parking ticket hike will convince them to use nearby parking lots and parking decks.
"Downtown is more popular than ever," said Thomas Leathers, Manager of the city's Parking System Division. "Parking is in more demand than ever. It'll free up those on-street spaces."
A recent parking study shows drivers want to park close to their downtown destinations for several hours. They're willing to risk a $10 fine to do it.
The city council is poised to approve a $20 parking fee at its May 18 meeting. If approved, the parking violation fee would increase by September.
In addition to making more parking spaces available, transportation officials say an increase in parking fines would generate more than $120,000. The additional revenue would be earmarked for parking improvements.
