Holiday free parking gets early start

An annual tradition that makes it easier for people to "Buy Providence" has kicked off a bit early this year.

Mayor David Cicilline announced Monday the city's annual holiday free parking program has started, and runs through January 1, 2010.

If there is a special cover on top of a meter, it means drivers do not have to pay to park in that particular spot.

“We have some of the best restaurants, arts and cultural venues, unique shops and boutiques in New England and I wanted to make it even easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the excitement of Providence this holiday season,” said Mayor Cicilline. “That’s why I’ve decided to kick off the holiday free parking program earlier this year.”

Specially designed meter covers and posters inviting shoppers to park for free will be visible in the following commercial districts throughout the city this holiday season:

• Downtown Providence (bounded by Steeple Street, west to route 95; 95 south to 195; 195 east to Point Street; Point Street to Wickenden Street; north on South Main to North Main Street at Steeple Street)
• Broad Street –Public Street to Montgomery Street
• Atwells Avenue – Bradford Street to Knight Street
• North Main Street - Thomas Street to Park Row
• Olneyville Square - Route 10 to Sydney Street and Delaine to Atwood to Magnolia Streets.
• South Main Street - Wickenden Street to Packet Street
• Wayland Square - East Angel/Angel to Gano Street. Wayland from Angel to Pitman Streets.
• Wickenden/Ives – Wickenden at Benefit to Ives at Preston St.
• Thayer Street - Meeting Street to Bowen Streets

No violations will be issued at metered parking spaces or at parking spaces with time limitations in those commercial districts. However, cars parked illegally in prohibited areas including cross walks and tow zones will be ticketed during this period.