BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In an effort to improve access to downtown businesses and reduce confusion over parking rules, the Beckley City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance establishing free two-hour on-street parking in designated areas.
The new policy, which takes effect immediately, applies to several streets throughout downtown Beckley and is intended to prevent long-term parking that limits space for other visitors and shoppers.
Vehicles may park free of charge for up to two hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
After the two-hour limit, vehicles will be subject to fines and additional citations for each extra hour parked.
City officials said the ordinance was developed in response to ongoing complaints about unclear parking policies and vehicles occupying spaces for extended periods, creating challenges for downtown businesses and visitors.
The two-hour parking zones will be marked by new signage, and enforcement will begin as the signs are installed.
Streets affected by the ordinance include:
- Neville Street
- 15th Avenue between 1st Street and Neville Street
- Woodlawn Avenue between Neville Street and Alaska Avenue
- Earwood Street
- McCreery Street between South Heber Street and South Kanawha Street
- South Heber Street between Neville Street and Earwood Street
- Main Street
- South Fayette Street between Main Street and Howe Street
- Fayette Street between Main Street and Prince Street
- North Fayette Street
- Prince Street between Kanawha Street and Leslie C. Gates Boulevard
The ordinance does not apply to parking spaces that are already marked with 15-minute limits or those labeled as reserved parking.
Only one resident spoke during the required public hearing before the vote. The speaker expressed concern that the ordinance originated with city council rather than the Beckley Parking Commission.
The ordinance was passed with full council support. The Beckley Traffic Control Map will be updated to reflect the changes.
