Parking in Vancouver can be a nightmare. Whether it’s the scramble to find a spot near your destination, squeezing into that tight parallel spot, or remembering to top up the meter before it runs out, parking is usually a hassle. You can forgo this stress by using our designated driver service in Vancouver, Safe Designated Drivers. Get home safely, quickly, and in the comfort of your own vehicle with our reliable designated driver service.

Don’t leave your car parked downtown after a night out, incurring overnight charges and risk being broken into. Instead, our team of experienced and responsible drivers will get you and your car home safely that night.

Parking in Vancouver

The stresses of driving increase when you learn the costs associated with that downtown spot you snagged. Parking prices are higher than ever, costing $7 per hour if you’re near the Vancouver Convention Centre. For the costs of parking at meters and EasyPark lots across the city, CBC has an interactive map.

This map shows the great disparity between parking costs depending on where you are in the downtown-core. While Burrard and Cordova average at $6 per hour, you can find parking for $1 per hour near Powell.

According to the city, the block-to-block disparity is due to supply and demand. Heavier use of a meter will translate into higher prices, while the more spaces available will force the prices down.

Climate Proposal to Increase Cost of Driving

While you may be familiar with these typical parking costs, changes are coming. The City of Vancouver recently announced a new proposal to apply additional fees to drivers in the city. This is a part of the new Climate Emergency Action Plan to lower pollution rates and encourage the use of electric vehicles. As a result, overnight parking fees and increased taxes are in discussion.

If this proposal is approved, Vancouver residents can expect to be charged an annual $45 parking fee for overnight street parking. With visitors being charged $3 per night.

In addition to the proposed overnight fee, luxury vehicles and SUV’s may be charged additional taxes. This is due to their negative environmental impact. Starting in 2023, buyers of luxury vehicles, large SUVs, and pick-up trucks will be charged an additional $1,000 per year, while smaller sedans and SUVs would incur a $500 annual fee.

This proposal encourages residents, businesses, and city planners to transition away from the use of fossil fuels and towards a carbon-free way of living. As such, electric vehicles and hybrids will be exempt from the additional taxes. However, they will still be subject to overnight parking fees, furthering the issue of “over-parking” in the city.

Over-Parking Crisis

In Metro Vancouver, there is a high rate of unused parking spots in residential apartment buildings. Currently, Vancouver parking by-laws require one parking stall per every unit in a residential building or per 650 square feet of office space.

A 2018 study showed that amongst the 73 apartment buildings evaluated, there was an oversupply of parking of up to 42 per cent. While the discussion of over-parking proposes to eliminate the one-stall-per-unit requirement for new constructions, the city’s new climate proposal could discourage street parking, decreasing car usage all together.

Vancouver Designated Driver Service

As parking prices continue to increase in Metro Vancouver and availability diminishes, driving is becoming increasingly stressful. Getting home after a night out is tough with the stress of traffic, parking, and safe transport.

The team at Safe Designated Drivers understands the stress driving entails and the hefty cost of cab fare. As such, they’ve built a business specifically to lift the worry of safe transport off your shoulders at an affordable price. If you have a vehicle but prefer to be a passenger, you can hire a designated driver in Vancouver to escort you home. Simply pass them the keys and they’ll take care of the rest.

For those late nights out, you no longer need to worry about getting your car home after having a few drinks. Safe Designated Drivers can get your party home safely. Avoid the proposed overnight parking fees and rely on the reliable and relaxing designated driver service. They accept late night calls to prioritize your safety and wellbeing.

You can have a night out drinking without leaving your car parked downtown, incurring overnight fees and risk being vandalized. There’s nothing worse than having to collect your car with a hangover, especially if you need to pay cab fare to get to it. Calling our drivers will save you two rounds of cab fare all while knowing your car is parked safely at your home.

To find out more about the services offered, contact the team at Safe Designated Drivers today and book your next stress-free trip home.