Multi-Space Parking Meters

Multi-space parking meters have replaced most single-space devices in Old Town. The rate at multi-space meters is $1.75 per hour, and the rate at single-space meters is $1.25 per hour.

The new meters require less maintenance by City technicians; reduce visual “clutter” on the streetscape; and reduce the need to retrieve and process large amounts of cash.

To use a multi-space meter, purchase time at a pay station and receive a paper slip to display on the passenger-side of your dashboard.  There are one or two pay stations on each side of a block in which spaces are metered. These blocks are also indicated by new blue signs. Multi-space meters offer many new conveniences:

• Payment may be made by credit card, dollar coins, quarters, dimes, or nickels.
• The paper slip includes a tear-off receipt to keep as a reminder of the expiration time.
• Purchased time may be used at any metered space in Alexandria until it expires. 
• Each meter has a decal with a unique Web address assigned to it, which can be used to get local visitor information, details about parking, and more.  The address can be typed into the Web browser of a mobile device, or scanned using a “QR” code. QR codes are square barcodes that smartphone cameras can convert to Web addresses and other text.  There are free QR code reader apps available for all modern smartphones.

Metered street spaces in Old Town require payment Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and are free on Sundays and state holidays.  Metered street spaces in Carlyle require payment Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are free on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays.

This staff presentation includes information on multispace meters, costs and revenues, and installation timelines.