Old Orchard Beach parking meter fees to increase this summer

Day trippers to downtown Old Orchard Beach can expect an increase in parking meter fees this summer.

Parking in downtown Old Orchard Beach is metered in town lots as well as along First Street and other streets from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During this time period, parking on Old Orchard Street is free, but is limited to 30 minutes.

The Town Council voted on Tuesday night to increase the metered parking rate from $3 to $4 an hour.

Town Council Chairman Shawn O’Neill said the topic of parking fees was thoroughly discussed at a Town Council workshop last month.

He said the town was “falling behind the times” compared to similar communities that charge parking fees.

Looking at other beach communities in Southern Maine, York charges $4 an hour for summer parking, Kennebunkport charges $5 an hour, and Ogunquit charges $7 an hour during the day and $4 an hour in the evening.

The Town of Old Orchard Beach also has a variety of seasonal parking passes for residents and non-residents that can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office in the first floor of Town Hall, 1 Portland Ave.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.