Businesses Worried Increased Sacramento Parking Rates Could Drive Visitors Away

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Business owners are concerned a new parking rate plan could drive visitors away.

The hourly parking rate has increased 50 cents from $1.25 to $1.75. The city is also rolling out a premium parking tier system allowing people to pay more to park at a meter beyond the posted time.

"It certainly seems like it's going up tremendously," said resident Leticia Alejandrez.

The city says the fee increase covers future downtown street maintenance and improvements. They believe businesses, visitors and residents will see the benefit in the long run.

But not everyone is sold.

"It think it's going to discourage people from shopping as well," said Alejandrez

Peter Riccobono is worried the fees could keep customers and workers away from his downtown bar.

"My employees every hour have to go feed the meter and that's a lot of money they have to pay to go do it, so it affects everybody," he said.