Savannah Implements Downtown Parking Changes

Parking rates will be changing in downtown Savannah, effective February 2, 2009.

The changes, adopted by City Council in December, are designed to help relieve congestion in the downtown area by encouraging long-term motorists to use off-street parking while freeing up spaces for short-term parkers.

The changes include:

GARAGES/LOTS
• Free parking is available at the Trade Center on Hutchinson Island with decal. A free ferry ride back and forth across the river is included in the package. Contact Jim Gilliamsen at Parking Services at 651-2834 to secure the proper decal/permit.
• The monthly fee in the Whitaker Street Garage has been reduced from $110 per month to $95 per month as a reflection of current economic conditions. Space is available.
• The Civic Center lot hourly rate has been reduced from $1 per hour to 30 cents per hour. Ten-hour parking is available. Parking in this lot may not be available occasionally because of special events.
• Monthly spaces are available at the Liberty Street Garage for $35 per month, which includes a free shuttle to the central core of downtown during the morning and evening rush hours.
• Reduced garage rates are being offered for off-peak hours at the Whitaker and Bryan Street garages, as well as the Robbie Robinson Garage on Montgomery and York streets. Off-peak hours are from 3 p.m. until 6 a.m., seven days a week. The fee is $35 per month.

ON-STREET
Parking meter rates in the central business and entertainment core will increase from 75 cents per hour to $1 per hour. This represents the first rate increase in five years. The goal is to encourage motorists to use garages, and encourage turnover at on-street spaces. The increase will be accomplished in phases through March 23, 2009.

CITATIONS
The citation fee for parking overtime on a meter will increase from $10 to $15. The citation fee for parking overtime in a limited time zone will increase from $12 to $15. These represent the first increases in citation fees in more than five years.

RIVER STREET
The time limit in City-owned parking lots on River Street will change from 10 hours to 2 hours to bring the limit back into what the Parking Ordinance requires. This will create more opportunities for people to park on River Street while long-term parkers can move into garages.

Parking/stopping on River Street after noon will be strictly prohibited seven days a week. This prohibition is necessary for the safe operation of the new River Street Streetcar. This prohibition applies to all vehicles, even those with commercial decals. Critical situations requiring a vehicle to be on River Street after noon may be requested from the Mobility and Parking Services’ Parking Enforcement Supervisor.