CAROLINA BEACH — Almost a year after voting on a year-round parking program — and months after discussing revisions to it in its ad-hoc parking committee — the Carolina Beach town council has implemented new changes in the coming season.
It includes decreased parking rates from the in-season price of $5-an-hour to $2 the last two months of the year and free parking offered throughout January and February. The offseason changes come after council’s 3-2 vote earlier in the spring to bag streetside parking meters from December through February.
READ MORE: Passes, hours, spaces: CB continues to hone next season’s parking program
Hours in which motorists have to pay have eased slightly, starting at 9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. and visitor passes have been added to program. While passes have been available for residents, business and property owners for $40 a year, over-the-bridge visitors have spoken out about not having the option. This year they will be able to purchase a seven-day pass for $100.
The town — which entered a contract with Pivot Parking last year — modified payment options for citations issued against drivers who don’t follow the rules. A discount will be given for early payment, and the days in which someone can pay without incurring penalties has extended.
For instance, if someone pays within 24 hours of an issued citation, the $100 fine will be reduced to $50; within 48 hours, it will be $75.
A $50 penalty will be added for nonpayment after 15 days and will increase to $100 if not remitted after 30 days.
The revised rates, hours and enforcement regulations are as follows:
Jan. 1 – Feb. 28
- Free/no charge
March 1 – Oct. 31, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Parking lots: $5/hour or $25/day
- Bus, Limo, and oversized vehicle: $10/hour or $40/day
- On-street Parking without time restrictions: $5/hour or $25/day
- On-street parking with time restrictions: $5/hour (2-hour limit)
Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Parking lots: $2/hour or $10/day
- Bus, limo, oversized vehicle: $5/hour or $20/day
- On-street parking without time restrictions: $2/hour or $10/day
- On-street parking with time restrictions: $2/hour (2-hour time limit
From January to July this year, the town’s parking program generated $2.6 million, without accounting for expenses. From July to September, it brought in $1.2 million.
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