Playa del Carmen Parking Meter Rate Hike Ruled Out After Public Backlash

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Plans to increase parking meter rates in Playa del Carmen have been scrapped, at least for now, following public outcry over the proposed hike.

In a statement, concessionaire Playaparq announced that the fee will remain at 10 pesos (about $0.50 USD), the same rate set when the concession began in 2018. The company said that while it had considered reviewing tariffs, the process will not move forward at this time.

The decision comes after residents and various groups voiced opposition to paying more for on-street parking spaces managed by the company in the city center.

Pedro de Velasco Garza, director of Playaparq, explained that the proposed increase was intended to fund technological upgrades and modernize the payment system, including greater digitalization to make the service easier to use.

The company also acknowledged recent complaints about the current system. Some drivers reported receiving fines or having immobilization devices — known locally as “arañas” (spiders) — placed on their vehicles even after paying and displaying the receipt, because the ticket was not visible from outside.

Playaparq argued that the concession agreement allows for tariff adjustments when necessary to ensure the service’s economic viability. However, after discussions with the municipal government, it was decided to keep the current rate unchanged.

The concession was granted in 2018, though the system began operating formally in December 2019. The company currently manages about 700 parking spaces in downtown Playa del Carmen.