PAID PARKING RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN PONTIAC NOVEMBER 1ST

City officials revamp equipment with new technology and Mobile Parking App to increase circulation of cars in the downtown business district.

PONTIAC, MI (November 1, 2023) The City of Pontiac announced it has reintroduced paid parking in the downtown Pontiac Business corridor. The city’s Economic Development division repaired the previous parking meters in an effort to increase circulation of cars among parking spaces. The program launches today and allows motorists to use cash, credit cards or an easy-to-use digital payment application, Passport Parking, through their smartphones. 

As the city’s free signature events increase in number and new businesses continue to open and attract more patrons, Pontiac is implementing strategic changes to enhance the local economy which benefits residents and businesses alike.  

To help explain the process, the City created videos to announce the new program and show viewers how to use the kiosks downtown. You may view them by clicking on the following link: Parking Meters Return to Pontiac - YouTube.

City of Pontiac paid parking is in effect Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to Midnight in two-hour increments from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Once the initial two hours has ended, drivers will have to move their vehicles to a different spot and pay the hourly fee if required.

After 6 p.m., drivers may pay for 4-hour increments. The fee for parking is $1 per hour and may be paid with cash, with credit cards or via mobile payment app.   

“The City’s main goal is to meet the needs of our residents and businesses by offering

several options for paid parking downtown,” said Mayor Tim Greimel. “By re-implementing paid parking, we will ensure that downtown residents and employees don't occupy parking spaces all day long and that customers and patrons can more affordably find parking spots.”

DOWNTOWN PAID PARKING SPOTS USING CASH, CREDIT OR MOBILE APP

Drivers can find kiosks for parking--using cash or credit cards—at several locations along Saginaw Street. Those who prefer to use the Passport app can download it from the App Store or Google Play.

Once a spot is located, the user will then initiate the app, then enter:

• the zone number
• the vehicle's license plate number
• the desired length of time

When the session commences:

• drivers can receive notifications when their sessions are about to expire
• extend their sessions remotely
• view receipts and parking history at www.passportparking.com.

WHERE TO FIND PARKING SPACES AND KIOSKS

Kiosks may be found along Saginaw as indicated by this map. Parking spaces are located throughout the downtown district on the following streets:

Saginaw Street

Lawrence Street

Mill Street

Oakland Avenue

Perry Street

Warren Avenue

Wayne Street

ENFORCEMENT AND TICKETING

Enforcement will be conducted by personnel in the Code Enforcement division who will utilize the same digital platform on Passport as drivers. This provides personnel with real-time mobility data in a centralized place.  

Now that the parking program has officially launched, if a motorist exceeds the allotted time for parking, Code Enforcement will issue a ticket (see detailed sample below). The ticket indicates the details of the vehicle that received the ticket, the date/time/location of the ticket and other pertinent details. Most importantly, the ticket also provides locations for payment and the specific deadlines for payment.

Tickets must be paid within 30 days. After that, the fine increases. Fines not paid within 90 days are turned over to the District Court for further enforcement action. Fines may be paid in person at the Pontiac City Hall Treasurer’s Office, via USPS mail or via the Passport Parking app. For more information on the paid parking program, contact the Code Enforcement office at (248) 758-2832. 

Supporting our residents and local businesses is among our administration's highest priorities. We know that by increasing the circulation of cars and parking options in and around the city, our businesses and communities will continue to grow and thrive.

Sincerely,

Tim Greimel

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