Free downtown holiday parking takes a hit

SALT LAKE CITY — The bags and bows on downtown parking meters — and the two hours of free parking they represent — will come off early this holiday season.

The Salt Lake City Council voted Tuesday to offer free parking at metered spots from Thanksgiving to Dec. 26 — six days less than the traditional holiday gift. The free holiday parking traditionally has continued through New Year's Day.

City officials estimate Salt Lake City loses $150,000 a year — $100,000 in meter revenue and $50,000 in fines for parking violations — by allowing holiday parking from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. Ending the program after Dec. 26 would trim that loss by an estimated $30,000, city officials said.

This year, the Downtown Alliance suggested shortening the free metered parking in hopes the council will continue to support the year-round parking token program — a parking validation system designed to assist downtown merchants.

The Downtown Alliance plans to ask the council later this month to contribute $45,000 to keep the program running.

City Council Chairman JT Martin was the lone member of the council to vote against ending the free parking after Dec. 26. Martin said he believes the two hours of free metered parking benefits more city residents than the token program.

— Jared Page