Downtown Parking Machines Receive User-Friendly Upgrades

The City of Belleville has upgraded its parking machines in downtown municipal lots to make parking simpler and more convenient for residents and visitors. 

The upgraded machines now use a licence plate-based system, meaning drivers will enter their licence plate number at the machine when registering for parking. Drivers using the two-hour free parking available in the Front, Riverside, Riggs and Pinnacle municipal lots will still be required to register their vehicle at the machine, with the first two hours continuing to be free. 

Drivers staying longer than two hours can select their total desired parking time at the machine when registering their vehicle. The first two hours will remain free, and drivers will only be charged for any additional time. For example, a driver selecting eight hours of parking will only be charged for six hours. 

“These upgrades make the parking process more convenient while maintaining the two hours of free parking that residents and visitors have come to enjoy downtown,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “While drivers are still required to display a slip for the time being, we recognize that removing this step would make the process even easier and are working toward a system where it will no longer be necessary. Our goal is to make visiting downtown as simple and convenient as possible while supporting the many businesses, restaurants and services that make it such an important part of our community.” 

“We are happy to see these upgrades make parking downtown easier and more convenient, while maintaining the first two hours free,” said Danielle Furtado, Executive Director of the Downtown Belleville BIA. “A simple and accessible parking experience helps encourage people to spend more time downtown and supports the businesses, restaurants and services that make our district such an important part of the community.” 

There are no changes for those who use the HotSpot Parking app. Drivers can continue to register for two-hour free parking and pay for additional parking through the app as usual. 

Instructions are also available at each parking machine to guide users through the updated process. 

For more information about downtown parking, visit Belleville.ca/DowntownParking.