One week into new parking rates Santa Barbara drivers steering towards more options

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Many drivers in Santa Barbara are spending more time looking at their parking options now that new parking lot rates are in place.

The new fee for the 10 downtown lots, including five structures, is 75 minutes for free and $3.00 an hour after that.

It's an hourly increase of 50 cents. For some drivers that is too much and they only want the free time, which means a brisk stop or they are constantly watching the clock.

Outside of the main library downtown, some drivers said they were trying to get in and out quickly. The city says 60 percent of the drivers downtown leave the lots within the 75 minute limit.

Some drivers said they understand the issues facing the city and fees increases do not surprise them.

Signs have gone up at the parking lots with information about the new fees.

They are also reminded to have a credit card ready which is now the preferred form of payment. At times there are no parking attendants.

The parking lots have license plate readers to speed up the exit time, for those who do not have to pay.

Monthly passes are also available which expedites the process.

At Stearns Wharf it's 90 minutes for free and the new pricing plan calls for $3.50 an hour after that.

(More details video and photos will be added here later today.)