CHICAGO — Free parking on Sundays will begin sooner than expected, but so will enforcement of longer meter hours.
The city’s plan to roll out free Sunday parking, which was supposed to take effect July 1, will begin in some neighborhoods this Sunday, according to a statement Friday from Chicago Parking Meters, the private company that operates the meters.
But don't get too excited: enforcement of longer hours will start Monday, the company also said Friday.
The changes take effect in select meters in the third, fourth, fifth, 11th, 12th, 14th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th Wards.
The announcement comes about a week after City Council approved the swap.
Meters will be refitted in waves, according to a spokesman for Chicago Parking Meters, and drivers are advised to pay close attention to parking signs. Posted rates will be enforced.
In coming weeks, meters throughout the city will be changed so that drivers can eventually enjoy free Sunday parking anywhere south of Roosevelt Road, west of Halsted Street and north of North Avenue.