City announces parking changes

The City of Hamilton today announced a number of parking changes that will take place in the city over the next few weeks and months. Making the announcement was Chief Operating Officer and Secretary to the City of Hamilton, Mr. Edward Benevides.

Mr. Benevides stated, “The City of Hamilton continually looks for ways to improve parking and the parking experience within the city. In this regard, we have addressed parking holistically and made a number of changes which will benefit all motorists who use the streets of Hamilton. In some instances, the cost to park has been reduced, in some locations the parking rates stay the same and in other instances, parking rates will be introduced.  

“This revised parking rates structure is being introduced to generate new revenue to restore and maintain the infrastructure of the city. Over the last few years, revenues have fallen for a number of reasons. There are fewer people in Bermuda and therefore fewer cars parking in the city. Given the declining revenues, the City has had to eliminate and reduce a number of services in order to maintain a balanced budget. One of the services which has suffered over the years is the resurfacing of city streets.

With the new revenue generated, we will use that money to begin a street resurfacing program, which is one of the infrastructure programs that will be reestablished or upgraded and maintained. Others include modernizing the City’s sewage structure and a comprehensive review of the drainage system.”

Mr. Benevides continued, “Starting in October 2013, the City of Hamilton will begin clamping on the streets initially targeting the abuse of residential parking. Up to now, the City has been responsible for clamping in city owned car parks only. While traffic wardens, who work for the Bermuda Police Service, have been responsible for issuing parking tickets throughout Hamilton.

“We often hear from residents that parking spaces designated for them are continually used by motorists without their expressed permission. We will be addressing this matter by aggressively clamping cars parked in spaces designated for residents.”

“Also starting in October, all day parking at Bull’s Head and Elliott Street Car Parks will be reduced to $5.00 a day or $1.00 an hour up to five hours. After five hours in these car parks, parking will be free. Easy Park meters and pay and display tickets will continue to be in use within these car parks and will be adjusted to reflect the new price structure.

“On street parking rates will change and in some cases it will be introduced to streets that historically motorists have not had to pay to park on. It is anticipated that in mid- to late-October, all streets in the city will become pay and display streets. The city has been divided into three parking zones. There will be different prices for different zones in the city. The zones and per hour rates are as follows:

• Zone 1 parking will cost $2.00 an hour and covers all streets between Front Street and Church Street, including Church Street.

• Zone 2 parking will cost $1.50 an hour and covers all streets between Church Street and Dundonald Street, including Dundonald Street.

• Zone 3 parking will cost $1.00 an hour and covers all streets between Dundonald Street and North Street.

Given the number of parking changes that are taking place and the with the introduction of parking zones, the City of Hamilton will launch a comprehensive communications program which will cover print, electronic and social media. We will also send out a direct mail piece to every household detailing the new city parking zones and the rates,” Mr. Benevides added.

Mr. Benevides concluded, “Given the changes that are being put in place, a number of new Parking Enforcement personnel have been hired in the last few weeks. This hiring has resulted in an increase in the number of vehicles clamped in city car parks. In order to avoid being clamped motorists are urged to read the signage on the sidewalks and in car parks before they park and leave their vehicles.

“Full details of the ordinance together with the new City Parking Zones Map can be found on our website. As we move forward with the campaign, I will encourage everyone to return to cityofhamilton.bm for updates and information on the parking changes that will be implemented.”