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Nov 11, 2024

Hilton Head Island implements new electronic parking meters

A new proposal considers adding paid parking to two beaches that had originally had free parking, increase parking fees to $5, and even gate some beaches. A new proposal considers adding paid parking

A new proposal considers adding paid parking to two beaches that had originally had free parking, increase parking fees to $5, and even gate some beaches.

A new proposal considers adding paid parking to two beaches that had originally had free parking, increase parking fees to $5, and even gate some beaches.

A new proposal considers adding paid parking to two beaches that had originally had free parking, increase parking fees to $5, and even gate some beaches.

If you're a beachgoer on Hilton Head Island, you may see some different kiosks when paying for parking.

The town of Hilton Head Island is upgrading its parking meters to electronic payment systems.

According to the city, right now there are only 1,155 beach visitor parking spots; compared to the estimated 8,500 visitors on the island a day.

Deputy town manager Josh Gruber said the new meters help better facilitate beach parking, especially during tourist season when parking gets to full capacity.

"We've always had a large number of people, especially during the summer, that come here. But we do continue to see increases year over year," Gruber said, "We're always looking to kind of take that next level and improve our service delivery."

But it may not be the only change for beachgoer's parking.

A new proposal considers adding paid parking to two beaches that had originally had free parking, increasing parking fees to $5, and even gating some beaches.

Gruber said the new system would only inconvenience tourists: "If you are not a resident, that is where you may wind up paying more in the future for parking than what you do today."

Gruber said the next steps are rolling out more contactless, electronic payments like pay by text.

The new parking program is still in the Community Services and Public Safety Committee, which means the proposal won't be voted on or implemented until at least September.