Tickets & Parking

Parking Meters

On-street meters

There are over 830 on-street parking meters intended for short-term parking in Downtown Hamilton:

  • Cost $1.50 per hour Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm (effective June 1, 2017)
  • Are free all day Saturday, Sunday, on Holidays and after 6 pm Monday to Friday
  • Have rates and times clearly marked on the meters
  • Have time limits of one to two hours
  • Have a 10 minute grace period after the paid time has expired

The on-street meters outside of Downtown Hamilton:

  • Cost $1.50 per hour (effective June 1, 2017)
  • Are enforced Monday to Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 9 pm

Check meters and parking signs to make sure there are not rush hour restrictions.

Some on-street parking meters have been replaced with Pay and Display machines.

Pre-Christmas free parking

The City of Hamilton also offers pre-Christmas free parking at select meters and lots across the city.

Pay and Display machines, or P&D machines, are multi-space parking pay machines found in most City car parks.

P&D machines are:

  • solar powered
  • have an electronic display
  • easy to use

After you park, pay for the amount of parking you need. You will get a receipt to put on your dashboard face up. If the machine is not working, use a different one.

The average daily parking rate in Hamilton municipal car parks is $5.58

Report repair and maintenance issues by:

You will need to report:

  • The location of the parking meter
  • The number on the parking meter
  • The location of the car park, if you are reporting a Pay & Display machine

Repair and maintenance of machines and meters

Technicians inspect the parking meters every day. Response time to repair a reported malfunctioning meter is under 24 hours.

If you received a parking ticket due to a malfunctioning meter or would like to dispute the fine, contact the Hamilton Municipal Parking System office Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm at 80 Main Street West, Hamilton. The entrance is off of Summers Lane, opposite City Hall.