Uptown Saint John General Manager Peter Asimakos tells CHSJ News he doesn't think it keep people away but he calls it "a necessary evil" as the city searches for ways to boost its revenue.
The fines for violations are also going up by 5 dollars but Asimakos points out the rates are not rising in the more than 30 off street parking lots in the uptown area.
He also maintains the rates in Saint John are competitive with other cities around the province as well as Nova Scotia and parkers are not being gouged.
