NHVN meters soon will run until 9 p. m.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) --City officials said that people who park in the Elm City will soon have to feed the meter until 9 p. m.

Some folks have said that the new parking plan will be a hassle, but others support it.

No matter how long the meters run, parking in down town New Haven can be tough.

"It can be very annoying depending on the day. Friday can be really tough," said John Scrudato.

City officials believe that extending the metered parking from 5 p. m., to 9 p. m., will make parking easier. This will begin on May 29.  The Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Departments said they did a study that showed the majority of the parking spots were being used by employees of area businesses. They said keeping the meters running longer will allow customers to get a parking spot.
 
The plan was originally to have the meters accept payment until midnight, but business owners and customers weren't having it.

"No, I mean it's just a pain if you have to go out at night," said Sean Kuang of New Haven.

Business owners have their own  theory about Elm City parking. They said the longer running meters will be beneficial because there is no time limit from 5 p. m. to 9 p. m.

"A lot of people come down after work and they want to shop and eat, shop, and they don't have to worry about exactly back in two hours they have to be," said store owner Tracy Bonoscomi.

For $1.50 an hour, and a $6 maximum cost at the meter up front, businesses said it's a good option after 5 p. m.

"It's a great place to come out and have fun, and I still think it's a bargain. I think it's cheaper and easier," said Gene Dostie of Derek Simpson Jewelry.

City officials also said people will be happy to hear that 4,500 additional parking meters accepting credit cards will be installed this summer.