Paper Parking Permits Are Back, MCDOT Makes Changes
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is going back to issuing physical parking permits to vehicles registered in the Residential Parking Program. The move was initiated by several county council members after they received concerns from residents about the online permitting program that was rolled out in 2015.
“I am pleased that MCDOT has agreed to revise their residential parking permit program to address resident concerns. Approximately a year ago, my office began hearing complaints and concerns about changes that had been made to the residential parking program, and my staff and I had multiple meetings and communications trying to resolve the issues. Most recently, four of my colleagues joined me in writing to Al Roshdieh, the director of DOT, asking for specific changes. I appreciate my colleagues joining me in this effort, and I appreciate Director Roshdieh for understanding the concerns and implementing the changes,” County Councilmember Marc Elrich said.
According to a county news release, MCDOT has agreed to print and mail physical permits to all vehicles registered in the digital permit program. The department will also provide instructions on how to affix the parking registration sticker to the windshield of the vehicle.
Residents with visitors can either obtain a physical permit at one of the parking sales stores during normal business hours, or request that one be mailed to them. Councilmembers said they were concerned that the digital visitor permits were creating unnecessary hassles for residents’ visitors.
The residential parking program has been in effect for more than 40 years. It was initiated to provide relief for residents whose neighborhoods are impacted by certain public facilities, land uses and adjacent commercial districts.
You can find out more about the changes, here.
I live in the Glenmont area – near the metro. The parking permit rules are not enforced. Why would we care about permits if the county does not enforce the rules!