Traffic & Transit

Free Parking In Framingham? Councilor Proposes Rule Change

Other MetroWest communities provide a free parking grace period. An ordinance filed Wednesday would do the same in Framingham.

The new smart parking meters installed in the downtown Framingham area in September.
The new smart parking meters installed in the downtown Framingham area in September. (Patch file photo/Neal McNamara)

FRAMINGHAM, MA — If you go to Natick Center right now to run a quick errand, chances are you won't pay to park. The town gives everyone 15 minutes of free parking in some parts of the downtown area.

That same free-parking grace period could soon come to Framingham.

On Wednesday morning, Councilor Michael Cannon filed an ordinance that would give drivers 15 minutes of free time. That means a quick stop at a bakery or City Hall wouldn't cost you anything.

Find out what's happening in Framinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Right now, parking costs $1.25 per hour, or $2 for the max time of two hours. But violations are even pricier at $15. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays and between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Framingham recently installed 146 new "smart" parking meters along five streets in the downtown area. The meters take coins and credit cards.

Find out what's happening in Framinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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