Free Salem Parking Program For MA Veterans

SALEM, MA — Massachusetts residents with a "veteran" license plate are now welcome to park for free at Salem on-street meters and surface lots.

The Salem City Council and Mayor Dominick Pangallo approved the change, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the state.

"This new policy is one way our community can share our gratitude for all that our veterans have done for us," Pangallo said.

A list of eligible license plates for free parking can be found here.

"I am very happy that the city has chosen to express its gratitude to our veterans with this gesture," Salems Veterans Agent Kim Emerling said. "It all started when I heard a Purple Heart recipient had been given two tickets in a pretty short time. Those tickets were quickly waived, but it started a larger conversation about how we could ensure that didn't happen again.

"I do not know of any other community that has this sort of blanket free parking rule for veterans. This small gesture goes a long way in keeping the city of Salem a welcoming community for everyone."

The policy is effective immediately.

It does not include pay parking garages in the city or override any type of temporary or seasonal parking restriction, such as a snow emergency or Halloween street closures. Time restrictions — such as two-hour parking limits — remain in effect.

Those with questions can contact the Salem Traffic and Parking Department at 97-745-8120.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)