Dallas Tries New "Valet Parking Zones" System

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Changes are coming to the City of Dallas when it comes to valet parking.

The city is trying out a new system of "valet parking zones." The first area to experience the change is Lowest Greenville along Greenville Avenue.

Valet stands there will be reduced from the several that operate outside the many restaurants to just two zones.

One will be placed near 1920 Greenville Avenue and the other will be near the Trade Joe's across from Single Wide Bar at the other end of Greenville Avenue.

The change comes as the area continues to experiences traffic, construction and a lack of parking.

"I have a different clientele and they like to park in front of the restaurant and go and come out," said Matt Pikar, who owns Nora Restaurant.
Pikar, and other business owners, worry the change to just two "valet zones" on each end could drive customers who do not want to walk… away.

"Oh I've even heard the complaint, 'Oh (what about) the women that come in their five-inch heals?' I'm like 'I wear five-inch heals every day and I don't have a problem with that,' " said Pame La Ashford, who manages parking for the City of Dallas.

Ashford said the change is happening city-wide. The first trial is along Greenville Avenue. The "valet zones" will then pop up in Oak Cliff in Bishop Arts, then to Downtown Dallas and then to other areas.

"It's not going to be perfect in the beginning. We're going to have to make some tweaks," said Ashford.

The city said the new "valet zones" just started in Lowest Greenville during the weekend of March 26. It will revisit the change in a few months and modify anything that does not seem to be working.