The mayor of Puebla, Pepe Chedraui Budib, announced that parking meters in the Historic Center of the city will be free for up to three hours, in order to encourage respect for parking time and facilitate mobility in the area.
In a press conference, the mayor explained that, after three hours, fines will be applied to those who exceed the limit.
“Today in the ordinary session of the City Council, what was done in the Heritage and Finance Committee will be presented, where the 2025 income law will be approved. We are going to propose in the City Council that it be modified. The law establishes that parking meters will be charged and we are going to make the modification today in the City Council. I asked the councilors to support a point where we are going to present that parking meters will not be charged, that they be completely free,” said the mayor.
This proposal will be discussed in a City Council session after being evaluated in the Heritage and Finance Committee, where a cost of 5 pesos per hour was originally proposed in the 2025 Income Law. However, it will be modified to allow free use for three hours for all users.
Pepe Chedraui commented that this decision responds to citizens’ requests to eliminate the charge at parking meters.
“As long as you arrive and register within the first 15 minutes of your arrival, you will have three free hours at the parking meters, so that everyone can park at no cost,” explained the mayor.
Most users park for about three hours
He clarified that, after the initial 15-minute registration, users will be able to enjoy three hours free of charge, but they must move their vehicle at the end of this period to avoid fines. Chedraui Budib added that the parking meter program will be expanded, although he did not provide details about this expansion.
The mayor of Puebla mentioned that 91% of users use the parking meters for a maximum of three hours, and 54% stay for 15 minutes to an hour, according to a study carried out by the City Council.
“There will be two important issues; one, that they will be able to use the free parking meters, (but) after three hours they will have to move. A study was done in which 91% of the cars that arrive at the Center use them for a maximum of three hours, 54% last from the first 15 minutes to an hour. That is why this decision was made and it cannot be fulfilled 100%, but we are working. If you stay for more than three hours you will be fined,” he explained.
To guarantee the safety and control of the vehicles, Chedraui Budib pointed out that the registration of users will allow the identification of those who park. In addition, he said that there has been dialogue with parking lot owners to install license plate readers and improve security. Parking meter users registered within the first 15 minutes will also receive insurance against theft, including coverage for damage to car parts and/or theft, and broken windows.
“All cars registered within the first 15 minutes have full insurance against theft, insurance for car parts and for broken windows (through) the platform that is put up for bid and won; we have talked to three platforms, they will surely be the ones that will participate, but we will wait,” concluded Chedraui Budib.
Source: retodiario
