Parking in Portland, Maine, is About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

One headache that has plagued Portland, Maine, over the last decade or so is somehow about to become a whole lot worse. That is, if a new city budget proposal passes.

The city has spent the better part of the last decade raising parking fees on both meters and inside city-owned parking garages. Portland has raised meter rates 4 times in the last decade.

While those fees still remain less expensive than most privately-owned lots, it's put a strain on those who commute to work in Portland or those looking to make a quick trip to the city without a huge expense.

One of the last remaining 'gifts' Portland, Maine, had given to residents and visitors was free parking on Sundays. And it looks like that's about to be taken away.

Portland, Maine, Proposes Eliminating Free Parking on Sundays

According to WMTW, in hopes of balancing the city budget, Portland, Maine, is proposing a series of changes to parking fees.

One of those keys changes would be to eliminate free parking on Sundays, something that has been treasured by those who work, live, or operate businesses in the city.

The new Sunday enforcement would take place from 10am until 4pm for all meters and specialized zones citywide.

Portland, Maine, Also Proposes Extending Meter Hours During The Week

The change in parking meter rules won't just be on Sunday. Portland, Maine, has also proposed extending the hours of parking meters Monday through Saturday.

Rather than the business-friendly 6pm cutoff for meter enforcement, the city wants to extend that until 7pm.

The city is blaming rising costs as well as county taxes and reduced state funding as the reasons behind yet another significant parking fee increase proposal.