New parking rules went into effect in downtown Paso Robles on Wednesday with mixed reaction.
Those who visit downtown will have to pay for parking between 10th and 14th streets and Spring and Pine streets.
The first two hours will be free, but it will cost $1 for each additional hour. The rule will be enforced Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While the parking program is aimed at helping people find places to park downtown, not everyone is pleased.
"It's kind of a nuisance, I think," resident Tom Besley said. "People are going to have to go get a ticket. You know, spend that extra time. They can't just get out of their car and just do whatever they want to do."
But downtown businesses could see more customers if spaces become available more frequently.
"You want them to be able to come and access you without it being a complication of finding parking," Jessica Krouse said. Krouse works at Pine Street Saloon. "I know downtown, we are a small area so there is a lot of driving around trying to locate those spots that are more farther out now, but I like to see that Paso is trying."
The city says employees of downtown businesses can buy a parking permit for $5.
