Savannah may double parking meter rates in historic district

Enforcement would be extended to evenings, Saturdays.

SAVANNAH — Parking in Savannah’s downtown historic district could get a lot more expensive next year.

The Savannah City Council is considering a consultant’s recommendations that would increase rates on some parking meters in the downtown area that is the city’s business hub as well as the heart of its vital tourism economy. The plan would extend the hours drivers would have to pay for on-street parking.

If the plan is approved, visitors and locals alike would see meter rates double — to $2 per hour from the currently hourly rate of $1 — in the busiest areas of the historic district. City workers would continue parking meter enforcement past 5 p.m. on weekdays and would make people pay on Saturdays, times when on-street parking in Savannah is currently free.

Mayor Eddie DeLoach and council members voiced no opposition to the parking plan during a recent presentation, the Savannah Morning News reported. Two councilmen also suggested enforcing paid-parking hours on Sundays.

The council is expected to vote on the parking proposal May 11.

“I think it’s something that, if we as a group agree on, we ought to move forward,” DeLoach said. “I know it’s not going to satisfy everybody, but it’s a place to start.”

The plan by Atlanta-based consultants Nelson/Nygaard aims to ease traffic congestion in Savannah’s busy downtown area. If approved, the changes would likely take effect next year.

Savannah officials would first be expected to purchase and install about 2,000 meters that accept credit cards as well as coins. The $2 million purchase, also expected to go before the council for a vote next month, would allow the city to offer a mobile app service that lets people use smartphones to pay for parking.

The parking plan also includes a simplified shuttle system as well as new bike lanes and bicycle renting stations.