Here’s when higher parking rates, new hours will apply in downtown Bellingham, Fairhaven

Higher rates and new hours for parking in downtown Bellingham will take effect May 1, along with more expensive parking tickets and paid parking in the Fairhaven shopping district.

In an announcement at its website Wednesday, April 13, the city said:

▪ Paid parking hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

▪ Hourly rates will be $1, up from 75 cents.

▪ Expired meter fines will be $30, up from $15

▪ Paid parking will start in Fairhaven.

Parking fees are designed to create turnover so that more parking is available, according to previous Bellingham Herald reporting. Revenue from paid parking funds downtown improvements, including graffiti removal, winter holiday decorations, flowers in summer and weeding of garden beds.