New Bedford Free Parking Program Returns for the Holidays

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford shoppers’ favorite holiday tradition is back once again, as the City has instituted its free holiday parking program this month.

The program allows for two hours of free parking at New Bedford’s two downtown garages, the Elm Street Garage and the Zeiterion Garage. It also allows for two hours of free parking at the meters along Acushnet Avenue in the North End.

“New Bedford’s Holiday Parking Program is designed to encourage shopping, dining, and retail activity in the City’s Downtown and North End business districts during the month of December,” the City said in a release.

Ticket Forgiveness Also Part of the Program

While there is no free parking at the downtown meters as part of the program, there is ticket forgiveness. Anyone receiving a parking ticket for an expired meter downtown can have that ticket forgiven by presenting a same-day sales receipt for at least $10 from a downtown merchant or restaurant.

In order to have the ticket forgiven, receipts must be presented or mailed to the Traffic Commission Office in the Elm Street Garage within three weeks (21 days) of receiving the ticket.

Ticket forgiveness is also available for those who park at the meters along Acushnet Avenue in the North End if they go over the free two hours at the meter, as long as they provide a $10 receipt from one of the nearby businesses or restaurants.

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Questions? Contact the Traffic Commission Office

The Traffic Commission Office is located at 51 Elm Street inside the Elm Street Garage and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The commission can also be reached by phone for questions regarding the holiday parking program at (508) 961-3153