Annapolis looks at possible charges to make parking easier after complaints

A workgroup Annapolis officials created this summer to improve the city's parking system has released several recommendations for reform.  

The workgroup was formed after city officials came under heavy criticism from frustrated drivers regarding current parking policies across the city. 

The workgroup was formed after city officials came under heavy criticism from frustrated drivers over parking policies across the city.

Nearly 40% of complaints to the Annapolis city ombudsman involve parking issues.

The workgroup identified 12 possible changes aimed at improving the current parking system. The city says the goal is to make parking less confusing and less punitive.

Currently, parking is split between two vendors, with different payment systems and rules depending on where drivers park.

The city wants to eventually move to one vendor and one app for garages, street parking and residential parking.

At the Hillman Garage, the city wants to switch to pay-on-exit later this fall, which would help drivers avoid getting tickets for overstaying their paid parking time.

For delivery drivers like Mike, those tickets, especially for street parking, can quickly add up.

"I got a $500 ticket once," Mike said.

Mike said he was only stopped for a few minutes while making a delivery.

"I'm quite paranoid about parking here because that's a pretty hefty fee," he said.

The city is also considering consolidating parking operations under one vendor and making changes to how parking tickets can be reviewed or waived.

Some visitors and locals said they would welcome a simpler parking system.

Sherry Jaouad told WJZ, "I tried the app, had some issues with that, couldn't navigate it at first, and then it wouldn't take my credit card."

Arthur Wall, who was visiting Annapolis from New York, said he believes the parking system could be easier to use.

"I might be old but I can still do technology, it's just that to me it's a lot better if things were a little more simple," Wall said.

Wall said his visit to Annapolis started with a 30-minute struggle just to pay for parking.

"It makes it that much worse to have to go through that kind of process," Wall said.

The city's transportation committee will get its first look at the new recommendations at a public meeting next Wednesday.

From there, the city plans to gather input from residents and businesses before presenting a final plan to the City Council.