SAN DIEGO — Residents and visitors now have to pay for parking in high-trafficked areas of Pacific Beach. The parking meters were activated on Wednesday, November 1, which means it will cost people $1.25 to park.
Some employees who work here feel parking meters are necessary —but others are simply upset since they said PB already has limited parking and now they have to pay for a space.
"This is horrible, I don't know where everyone is going to park when they work there's such limited spaces," one person told CBS 8.
CBS 8 spoke with several people who had problems using the new meters on their first day. The biggest issues surrounded QR codes on the meters that are supposed to take users to an app where they can pay for their parking. Instead, users were directed to random google search links.
The city said they are aware of the issue and have ordered new stickers.
We also saw drivers having issues using Apple Pay. The city said they were not aware of that problem, but will look into it.
There are nearly 200 parking meters that were approved by the city. Construction began in September with curb markings and parking space striping.
"It's probably beneficial just to try to keep the people flowing in and out. Some people might not like it but just so it keeps people moving and cars from staying there all day I feel like it'll be better for the businesses," another told CBS 8.
The city said the parking meters will help with the overflow of parking in the area. This is an issue that businesses located on busy streets have noticed frequently.
The parking meter revenues could used to pay for projects that address parking demand and mobility. This includes bike parking, parking studies and pedestrian improvements.
Starting Wednesday, drivers will notice parking meters on several streets. It includes busy streets like Garnet Avenue between Mission Boulevard. It includes Cass Street from Emerald Street to Grand Avenue.
Drivers will also see them on Hornblend Street from Bayard Street to Mission Boulevard, as well as on Bayard Street between Hornblend Street and Grand Avenue.
When it comes to paying the fee, drivers will have to use something other than coins because the meters will not accept them.
Payment options are credit cards, mobile payment options, and the Parksmarter app.
