New year, new parking fees in downtown Raleigh

Amanda Batchelor and Richie Roberson had dinner plans downtown Friday night, but before they walked into their restaurant, they had already spent five dollars.

“I had no clue,” said Batchelor. “I asked [the parking attendant] when it started and she said yesterday, happy new year.”

Drivers who park in the four specified garages before 5 p.m. on Friday will be charged the regular hourly rate of $1 per half hour, up to $12. For example, if a car enters the garage at 3:30 p.m. and leaves at 10 p.m., they would be charged $3 up to 5 p.m. and $5 for the remaining time, for a total of $8.

Parking will continue to be free on Saturdays before 5 p.m. If a vehicle enters on of the garages before 5 p.m., there is no charge to exit after 5 p.m.

Fees at the city’s other parking decks will remain the same and on-street parking will continue to be free after 5 p.m.

Money from the new fee will pay for cleaning and maintenance on the decks.

“If you park in a garage, you are going to pay,” said Roberson.

While Batchelor is just getting used to the idea, Roberson said it reminded him of home.

“I am actually from Charleston and we pay for parking all the time,” he said.

The fees mean something different for Alan Ramirez, who works at a restaurant and bar in downtown Raleigh.

“Well, it will add up. That’s another bill a month,” he said. “[I] just have to deal with it for now, hope it changes.”