San Diego introduces dynamic parking pricing and increased fines

San Diego, California, is introducing a dynamic pricing scheme for parking meters, which has upset many drivers. This news comes just weeks after parking meter rates were increased. In January, the city raised most hourly parking fees from $1.25 to $2.50 as part of efforts to address a budget shortfall of over $250 million. This change affected about 5,700 parking spaces in San Diego. City officials are now considering further changes to parking rules. These may include new fees for late evenings and Sundays, as well as adjusting parking rates and enforcement times. The aim is to create a more flexible parking management system. Council member Stephen Whitburn has expressed commitment to keeping parking free for residents on Sundays. However, other council members have raised concerns about the financial impact on local residents, especially those who are already struggling with the high cost of living. Some proposed ideas for managing parking demand include charging higher rates during busy times. This could lead to parking fees reaching as much as $16.50 or a surge charge of up to $20. Social media users have vocalized their frustrations, fearing these changes will further burden residents.