New parking hours and rates in Dover begin Sept. 3

posted on: 8/30/2019

Dover Police Chief William M. Breault announces new public parking hours and rates will take effect Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019. The changes follow recommendations by the Parking Commission, based on months of public input, and a vote to adopt the changes by the City Council in July.

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, metered public parking hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The changes include extending the hours of metered parking from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and adding Saturday.

In addition, progressive parking rates will take effect Sept. 3 at most public parking locations and surface lots. The first two hours of parking remain unchanged at $1 per hour. The third and fourth hours of metered public parking will be $2 per hour. Metered parking after four hours will be $3 per hour. Progressive pricing does not include the Orchard Street Public Parking Garage, Chestnut Street lot and the Transportation Center lot, where existing hourly rates will remain in effect.

“Part of the challenge of adding Saturdays was that during the weekday, there was a three-hour time limit,” said Parking Manager Bill Simons. “Having a time limit on Saturdays, when the average visit could be much longer, didn’t make sense. Combining the need for a longer visit option and a consistent parking policy throughout the week led to the progressive pricing program.”

Simons added the changes were partly in response to meetings with downtown business owners. Because downtown employees were parking in front of their respective businesses, fewer spaces remained for customers. Other vehicles were parked in public spaces beginning Friday night and through the weekend. Simons said progressive pricing and Saturday hours are designed to open up additional spaces for visitors and customers, and decrease daylong parking.

In addition to the on-street meters, there are several convenient payment options for motorists parking in Dover, including EasyPark, which allows for the electronic purchase of parking without the need to visit a meter; permits for long-term and residential parking; discounted tokens; and more. Visit drivingdover.com for more information, including a map of all public parking locations.

For more information, contact the Parking Bureau at 516-6132 or parking@dover.nh.gov.