BURLINGTON — The city is taking steps to prevent unauthorized long-term parking, or what officials call “zombie cars,” in downtown garages.
People leave cars in the Marketplace Garage on South Winooski Avenue for “extended periods, in some cases years, without any intention of moving them,” according to a news release from parkburlington.org.
An amendment to the city’s parking ordinance that limits parking in public garages to 48 hours took effect Monday. Cars left in public garages for longer than 48 hours will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
Previously, the city had no authority to prevent people from leaving their cars in public garages for extended periods or to have cars removed when they were left for extended periods, according to the release.
City officials have posted signs at the Marketplace Garage notifying customers of the new rule. The city will be issuing warnings through May 1, after which time cars will be towed.
People looking for long-term parking options in the public garages can purchase monthly leases for spaces in the College and Lake Street garages.
Parkburlington.org is a public-private partnership created by the City Council in 2013 to address the city’s parking challenges. Its members include the Burlington Business Association and several city departments as well as a parking advisory committee.
