News Summary
The Williamsburg City Council has approved new parking fines as part of a transition to a digital parking system named Passport. This system enables residents to manage permits online, eliminating physical decals. The new fines, which mark the first increase since 2011, aim to encourage compliance and optimize parking resources. Starting September 1, 2023, enforcement will rely on license plate readers for permit verification. The transition promises improved parking management and a better experience for residents seeking permits.
Williamsburg City Council has approved new parking fines as part of a transition to a digital parking system, known as Passport, with implementation set to begin on Monday. The new measures aim to enhance parking management and enforcement throughout the city.
The Passport system, which is already utilized by Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary, allows residents in parking permit zones to buy residential permits and manage guest passes all online. It requires users to create an account, enter their address, and add their vehicles using the Passport app. The annual cost for a residential permit is set at $5, while guest passes also cost $5. Existing physical parking decals will expire on August 31, 2023, marking the end of the old system. Beginning September 1, 2023, parking enforcement will utilize license plate readers to verify permit validity, eliminating the need for physical decals altogether.
As part of the new system, the City Council has approved a structured increase in parking fines, the first adjustment since 2011. The revised fines will be as follows:
- First offense: Increased from $10 to $25
- Second offense: Increased from $25 to $50
- Third offense: Increased from $50 to $75
If fines are not paid within 14 days of issuance, they will double:
- First offense doubles to $50
- Second offense doubles to $100
- Third offense doubles to $150
Fines for the fourth violation will remain unchanged; however, fines for the fifth and subsequent violations will increase from $500 to $600 if incurred after the deadline. The increases in fines reflect a broader intent to promote compliance and efficient use of parking resources.
The decision to transition to the Passport digital parking system also stems from concerns regarding the feasibility of maintaining a hybrid system that includes both traditional decals and a digital platform. City officials have indicated that the digital system will significantly improve the efficiency of parking management and enhance the overall parking experience for residents.
Residents seeking to purchase parking permits can do so in person at the city’s municipal building or by contacting the city’s parking office at 757-220-6180 for assistance. Further details regarding parking, fines, and the new system can be found at the city’s official website, williamsburgva.gov/parking.
This transition to a digital system and the associated increase in fines are designed to streamline operations, make parking management more effective, and adapt to modern technological standards for improved service to the community.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg to Increase Parking Fines
- Williamsburg Families: Where to Park in Colonial Williamsburg
- Tribe Athletics: Basketball Parking Enhancements
- Williamsburg Families: Busch Gardens Discounts
- Daily Press: Colonial Williamsburg Ticket Price Reductions
- Wikipedia: Parking
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
