Northeast News
June 16, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City, Mo., Public Works Department is advising residents that newly updated parking regulations and increased enforcement could affect downtown motorists.

Last week, the city council approved several traffic ordinance changes because of increased activity and construction in downtown Kansas City. The recently-approved regulations limit the time drivers can park in passenger and property loading zones, while requiring the use of emergency flashers for the duration of loading or unloading. Drivers are required to leave most passenger loading zones within 10 minutes, although some zones are identified as three-minute passenger loading zones. Individuals loading or unloading property are required to leave loading zones within 30 minutes.

In a press release, parking manager Bruce Campbell said there’s a lot going on downtown right now. He added that hopes everyone from visitors and residents to business owners work together with the city to make the roads accessible.

In addition, the regulations prohibit parking within eight feet of a streetcar track or any public transit station, including bus stops and streetcar stations. Motorists found in violation of these regulations may be towed and fined as much as $500. Police will begin enforcing these new regulations immediately. In addition, officers will crack down on vehicles illegally parked in no parking zones or blocking lanes of traffic.

To make parking downtown easier, last winter the city council launched Parkmobile, a mobile application that allows motorists pay for any of the city’s 1,500 metered parking spots with their smartphone. To use the Parkmobile system, individuals can register for free at www.parkmobile.com or through their smartphone’s app store. Once registered, they can use the mobile app, the internet or a toll free number – 877-727-5457 – to pay for parking. They can also select the option to receive alerts and reminders 15 minutes prior to expiration of their parking session. Motorists may also choose to park in one of downtown’s many parking garages.