Pittsburgh may indefinitely extend a controversial program that aims to discourage drivers from monopolizing much-needed parking spots in certain busy areas.

Marked by purple curbs and matching signage, smart loading zones are areas where a graduated payment system encourages drivers to get in and out of parking spots quickly, freeing them up for the next driver.

While city officials have said the goal is to make it easier for delivery drivers and others parking briefly outside of businesses — and to discourage people from leaving cars for hours in those sought-after spots — some business owners have argued the zones actually deter customers from shopping or patronizing nearby restaurants.

Some also voiced concerns that the costs hindered their ability to unload large deliveries.

The smart loading zone program launched in April 2022 with a $100,000 grant from Los Angeles-based Automotus.

It began with a one-year pilot program in the city’s Central Business District before expanding to additional neighborhoods.

In response to business owners’ concerns, city officials tweaked the program’s fee structure. The first 15 minutes are free.

Officials last fall said data from the pilot program indicated that about 55% of people who parked in the smart loading zones stayed there for less than 15 minutes.

Less than 5% of smart loading zone users stayed in a spot between one and two hours.

Officials estimated last year the city brought in about $380,000 annually in total revenue from 47 smart loading zones.

The legislation to extend the program indefinitely will come before City Council for discussion and a preliminary vote next week. Council could take a final vote as soon as the following week.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)