As part of the Charleston Police Department's King Street safety plan – which includes stepped-up police patrols, better lighting, and changes in the street’s traffic pattern – the city of Charleston will soon begin towing enforcement along King Street. Street parking on King Street between Spring and John streets from 6 pm to 3 am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights is prohibited.
After piloting the new parking rules for more than a year, the changes were made permanent in October, and signs were installed on parking meters to indicate no parking zones. However, due to ongoing compliance issues, the Charleston Police Department said they have requested increased enforcement measures to include towing.
Motorists can expect to see towing enforcement start on February 9th. These operations will also include warning flyers, meter bags, flashing message boards, blocking off empty spaces, and distribution of information to surrounding businesses that can be shared with patrons and employees.
“Our goal is not to have to tow a single car,” said Charleston Police Department Captain Jason Bruder. “We hope that using a myriad of efforts to inform motorists of the rules will be successful, but we are prepared to tow cars if necessary to protect public safety.”
The City of Charleston says these changes will also improve cleanliness by increasing the efficiency of early morning streetsweeping by the city's Public Service Department.
Alternative, discounted parking for this area is available at the Visitor Center Garage, located at 63 Mary Street. This garage offers a $7 flat rate fee after 3 pm and a $5 flat rate fee after 5 pm. The discounted evening rate ends at 3 am and reverts to the regular garage rate ($1 per half hour). Additional parking at the $1 per half hour rate is available at the Midtown Garage (558 King Street) and Marion Square Garage (399 King Street).
