GALVESTON, Texas (AP) _ Most free parking is disappearing from downtown Galveston as the city replaces Hurricane Ike-damaged meters with high-tech versions.
Ike swamped much of Galveston in September 2008.
The Galveston County Daily News reported Monday that the city has removed more than 700 Ike-damaged meters. Updated meters, operated by Ampco System Parking, will accept cash, credit cards and payment via cell phones.
City spokeswoman Alicia Cahill says parking will be limited to two hours. The meters will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Courtesy notices will be left on vehicles letting drivers know that free parking is ending, except for Sundays and evenings, by July.
Meters will not be put in front of downtown churches, the Rosenberg Library or the county courthouse.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)