The once free parking offered at Isle of Palms may no longer be available for beach go-ers come summer 2021. The choice to monetize parking came after COVID-19. IOP residents recently issued a temporary parking ban for non-residents along busy neighborhood streets. Now, public parking restrictions will impact weekday and weekend parking times.
Instead of the current 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the city is looking to enforce 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This time frame forces non-residents into a curfew.
While during the Coronavirus pandemic, chairs, coolers, and umbrellas were no longer allowed, it seems the city is making more strides toward seclusion from non-residents. Parking violation charges increased by double as of May 30th for municipal parking lots. These designated public parking zones are subject to change.
“The issue is the number of cars and parking, it’s not trying to restrict and limit people’s access to the beach,” said Councilmember Randy Bell. “We have an automobile problem. We don’t have the room to park as many that wish to come here.”
In order for next year’s changes to be made possible, a decision must be finalized no later than this August. For now, it seems things are headed toward stricter parking enforcement across the island.