If you plan on going downtown after November 19, you will have to pay to park at parking meters.

The City of El Paso’s parking meter division had put a grace period in place when they announced earlier this year that they would reinstate Saturday parking fees. That grace period expires on November 19. Warning notices will begin to be issued this weekend to remind motorists of the change.

You used to be able to park for free on Saturdays at parking meters within downtown shopping districts. City officials had hoped that it would increase retail and cultural activities, but in September, Council decided to resume charging for parking on Saturdays to help fund the Sun City Lights projects citywide. The project, which includes improvements to the Paseo de las Luces on South El Paso Street in downtown, combines public art, urban design and neighborhood revitalization in key city corridors.

Right now, downtown parking meters operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The parking fee at a meter cost 50 cents for every 30 minutes. Parking meters outside of Downtown operate 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the same fares.

Free parking will continue at all meters on Sundays, city-recognized holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) and for special events approved by City Council.

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