
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Denver's doubly high parking meter prices aren't deterring people from driving and parking downtown.
By the numbers: Parking meter revenue this year through March more than doubled to $3.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2021, city transportation department spokesperson Nancy Kuhn tells Axios Denver.
- Half the revenue will be funneled toward transit, sidewalks, bikeways and street safety improvements, while the rest will flow into the city's general fund.
Flashback: For the first time in two decades, Denver raised its parking meter rates this year from $1 to $2 an hour.
- City leaders said the fee increase could get Denver closer to achieving its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 with fewer drivers on the road and less car exhaust in the air.
Of note: Parking violation fines also increased this year to more closely align Denver with its peer cities and reduce vehicle congestion.
The bottom line: Neither policy appears to have reduced traffic on Denver's roadways.

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