New Bedford Brings Back Holiday Parking Program

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The City of New Bedford is once again offering its annual Holiday Parking Program, offering free parking in certain locations and ticket forgiveness as well.

There’s nothing more annoying than losing track of time doing some holiday shopping, or having a holiday get-together at a downtown eatery, and then returning to your car to realize you now have a parking ticket.

That’s why each holiday season, the City of New Bedford puts its Holiday Parking Program into effect.

Get our free mobile app

What Is the New Bedford Holiday Parking Program?

The City is offering two free hours of parking during the month of December at both the Elm Street Garage and Zeiterion Garage downtown, as well as at North End meters along Acushnet Avenue.

“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 wrote in a press release.

In addition, anyone receiving a parking ticket for an expired meter downtown can have it forgiven by presenting a same-day sales receipt for at least $10 from a downtown merchant or restaurant.

How to Have Your Ticket Forgiven

Receipts must be brought into or mailed to the Traffic Commission Office in the Elm Street Garage within 21 days of receiving the ticket. The parking ticket will be forgiven with the presentation of the same-day receipt.

In the North End along Acushnet Avenue, drivers ticketed for expired meters over the free two hours can have their tickets forgiven in the same way.

The Traffic Commission Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone with questions can call (508) 961-3153.