Lexington, September 3, 2025
News Summary
LexPark, the parking authority in Lexington, has revealed plans to raise parking fines and monthly rates starting September 1, 2025. Fines for safety violations will increase significantly, along with higher monthly parking costs at the Victorian Square Garage. The measures aim to enhance road safety and generate much-needed revenue for maintaining aging parking facilities. The Urban County Council is anticipated to vote on these proposed changes on May 8, 2025.
Lexington – LexPark, the city’s parking authority, has announced an increase in parking fines and monthly parking rates effective September 1, 2025. This move aims to bolster LexPark’s budget and align the city’s parking fees with those of other comparable cities.
The most significant changes include an increase in fines for “safety violations,” where fines will rise from $35 to $50 if paid within 10 days, and from $50 to $65 if paid after that period. Safety violations include parking in fire lanes, obstructing traffic, and parking at intersections. This is the first hike in parking violation fines since 2016.
In addition, monthly parking rates at the Victorian Square Garage will also see an increase. General parking rates will jump from $90 to $105, while reserved parking costs will rise from $110 to $130. Hospitality parking rates at the same garage will also increase from $20 to $25. The last adjustment to parking rates at the Victorian Square Garage was made in 2018.
The increase in fines and rates is part of an effort to generate more revenue necessary to maintain the city’s aging parking garages. LexPark estimates that approximately $14 million will be required for essential structural repairs over the next seven years. The authority has faced a financial setback in recent years, losing $350,000 in annual revenue due to a 2018 land swap deal with the University of Kentucky that transferred control of certain roads and associated parking meters to the university.
Executive Director Laura Boison clarified that the raised fines are intended to encourage safer driving behaviors and enhance overall road safety in Lexington. On May 8, 2025, the Urban County Council will vote on the proposed budget and fine increases, which must pass for the changes to officially take effect.
In 2024, LexPark had already increased monthly rates at other garages and adjusted some parking fines. However, changes to on-street parking rates are not anticipated at this time, although selected garages will experience increased parking fees.
Background Context
LexPark is responsible for overseeing parking management in Lexington, working to maintain safety and efficiency in parking facilities. The last major parking fine adjustment occurred in 2016, and this initiative reflects the growing need to modernize the system to keep pace with financial demands brought about by age and usage. The infrastructural challenges facing LexPark emphasize the importance of adjusting both fines and fees to secure required maintenance funding.
Upcoming Changes Overview
- Parking Fines Increase: Fines for safety violations to rise from $35 to $50 (paid within 10 days) and $50 to $65 (paid later).
- Monthly Parking Rates: Victorian Square Garage rates will increase from $90 to $105 for general parking and $110 to $130 for reserved parking.
- Hospitality Rates: Increase from $20 to $25 at Victorian Square Garage.
- Council Vote: Scheduled for May 8, 2025.
FAQ Section
What new fines are being introduced by LexPark?
Fines for safety violations will increase from $35 to $50 if paid within 10 days and from $50 to $65 if paid after that period.
When do the new parking fines and rates take effect?
The new fines and parking rates will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Why is LexPark increasing its parking fines and rates?
The increase is aimed at balancing the budget and generating additional revenue for maintaining aging parking structures.
When will the Urban County Council vote on these changes?
The Urban County Council is set to vote on the proposed changes on May 8, 2025.
Do these changes affect on-street parking rates?
No, the proposed changes do not include adjustments to on-street parking rates.
| Change | Current Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Violations Fine (within 10 days) | $35 | $50 |
| Safety Violations Fine (after 10 days) | $50 | $65 |
| General Parking (Victorian Square Garage) | $90 | $105 |
| Reserved Parking (Victorian Square Garage) | $110 | $130 |
| Hospitality Parking (Victorian Square Garage) | $20 | $25 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Increases Fines for Safety Parking Violations
Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News: LexPark Price Changes
- Wikipedia: Parking Policy
- Kentucky.com: LexPark Updates
- Google Search: LexPark
- Kentucky Today: Parking Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Parking Hike
- Google News: LexPark Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
