FAQs • Reading, MA • CivicEngage

What's changing regarding parking in Downtown Reading?: On-street parking in downtown Reading will remain in effect and will remain free. Paid parking will be enforced starting October 2023 at the Brande Court Lot and Upper Municipal Lot. Up to one hour of parking is free however, you still need to enter your license plate at a kiosk or the PayByPhone app so that the enforcement officer can track all vehicles in the lot. Up to 4 hours is $1/hour; over 4 hours is $5/hour. Paid parking is enforced Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.

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Parking

1. What's changing regarding parking in Downtown Reading?: On-street parking in downtown Reading will remain in effect and will remain free. Paid parking will be enforced starting October 2023 at the Brande Court Lot and Upper Municipal Lot. Up to one hour of parking is free however, you still need to enter your license plate at a kiosk or the PayByPhone app so that the enforcement officer can track all vehicles in the lot. Up to 4 hours is $1/hour; over 4 hours is $5/hour. Paid parking is enforced Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.

2. How do I pay for parking?: Individuals can pay for parking at kiosks OR by installing and using the PayByPhone smartphone app. There are two kiosks per lot, with signage directing users to their locations. PayByPhone signage is available throughout the lots to guide users in utilizing this app to park. See the how-to guide here. (LINK)

3. How will the new parking format be enforced?: The Reading Police Department will enforce these regulations, just like they enforce parking throughout the rest of town.

4. Where should employees and business owners park?: Employees may park in all areas that are highlighted in blue (see map), with an employee parking pass. Employee Parking Passes are sold annually, starting in January. Every business has an opportunity to purchase up to 20 passes. Additional passes may be purchased after January and are on a first come, first serve basis. See here for more information: Employee Parking Pass | Reading, MA (readingma.gov).

5. How will these changes help?: The transition to paid parking in the Upper Municipal and Brande Court parking lots will create more frequent overturn of parked cars in order to free up availability and increase the utilization of these municipal lots.

6. What happens if I get a ticket?: If a ticket is issued to an individual/vehicle, they will be notified via a physical ticket. This physical ticket will have instructions and a ticket number to process payment of the ticket online. Individuals can also go to the Reading Police Department to process their ticket. Tickets processed in person at the Reading Police Department are through cash / check only.

7. Who decided to make these changes?: The implementation of parking kiosks within both municipal lots was voted in favor of during Town Meeting. The initial idea for implementation of the kiosks occurred through Town Hall staff recommendations with support from the Parking Advisory and Recommendation Committee (PARC).

8. Is it still free to park in handicap spots?: Yes, vehicles with handicap placards are still free to park within these lots and anywhere in Town.

9. I have more questions or concerns; who can I talk to?: Please contact Reading PD's Deputy Chief, Christine Amendola at camendola@ci.reading.ma.us