If parking in Old Town wasn't already enough of a hassle, now it will cost visitors more to park on the city's historic streets.
On Friday, Sept. 2, new parking rates will take effect on 12 residential Old Town blocks. On-street parking rates will jump from $1.75/hour to $3 an hour. The current 2-hour time limit and restricted parking hours will remain unchanged. Residents with a valid residential Old Town permit and their guests with a valid guest permit will still be able to park on these blocks for free.
The increased rates are part of a city effort to preserve residential parking and reduce the number of non-residents parking on these streets. The rate change was approved by City Council in June.
At the same time, the city is encouraging non-residents to use city parking garages instead. Hourly rates at the Courthouse Garage (111 S. Pitt St.) will be reduced from $2.50/hour to $1/hour on nights and weekends. The cost of other city garages, at $2.50/hour will still be cheaper than the new $3 on-street parking.
The 12 blocks where the new rates will take effect where chosen based off of data collected via the city's pay by phone parking provider, ParkMobile. These blocks were show to have the most non-residential users.
The city says it will monitor any impacts of the new rates over the coming months and adjust if necessary.
Find out more about parking in Alexandria at https://www.alexandriava.gov/Parking.
