Maldonado proposes paid parking plan with first two hours free

Maldonado’s government wants to introduce paid parking in parts of the city, but drivers would get the first two hours free under a proposal sent to the departmental council.

The regulated zones would operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking would remain free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. After the free period, the proposed fee would be 40 pesos for the first hour, 50 pesos for the second, 60 pesos for the third and 70 pesos for each additional hour.

Drivers could pay through mobile applications, payment outlets or participating businesses. They would have to register their vehicle’s license plate, parking duration, date and time. The proposal also includes weekly, monthly and annual discounts that would vary by area. During the city’s Día del Centro promotion, authorities could allow up to three consecutive hours of free parking.

The departmental government says the system aims to improve urban mobility as vehicle traffic grows and public parking space remains limited. It says the money collected would go to social programs.

People with disabilities whose vehicles carry the required identification would be exempt, along with Judicial Branch and Interior Ministry vehicles. School transport, medical vehicles visiting patients at home, loading and unloading vehicles, tourist transport and departmental government vehicles would also qualify under specified conditions. Residents could seek an exemption for one vehicle if it is registered in Maldonado, has no outstanding debts and is used at a home in the regulated area.

The draft would fine drivers two indexed units for parking without a ticket and one indexed unit for using an expired ticket. The proposal was submitted by departmental governor Miguel Abella and remains subject to council review.