Two Montgomery County cities eliminating free weekend parking. News4’s Megan McGrath reports.
Parking in Montgomery County on the weekends is getting more expensive.
Starting July 8, 2023, the county's parking garages, lots and street meters in Bethesda and Silver Spring are no longer free on Saturdays.
The money will help pay for new safety and security measures, including better lighting and cameras, at parking facilities in downtown Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation said in a statement.
The change comes after the killing of a husband and father of three in the Wayne Avenue parking garage in downtown Silver Spring in December.
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Some residents aren't happy about the new charges, but others say they don’t mind if it promotes safety.
Parking will still be free on Sundays.
Here are the parking rates and hours taking effect on Saturday, according to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.
Downtown Bethesda
- On-street: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $2.25 per hour
- Surface lot parking: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.: $2 per hour
- Garage parking: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.: $1.75 per hour or less
Downtown Silver Spring
- On-street parking: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $2 per hour
- Surface lot parking: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. -10 p.m.: $1.25 per hour
- Garage parking: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.: $1.25 per hour or less
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