New Bedford City Council unanimously votes for free parking for veterans

In a 10-0 vote on Thursday, the New Bedford City Council passed a motion to establish a free parking program at all metered spaces across the City of New Bedford and at Fort Taber Park for individuals with Veteran license plates. Sponsored by Ward 6 councilor Joe Lopes, the written motion was quickly co-sponsored by all nine of the other city councilors in attendance. At-Large City Councilor Debora Coelho was not present to vote.

Here is the motion as written:

“Councillor Lopes, requesting that the Traffic Commission establish a free parking program at all metered spaces across the City of New Bedford and at Fort Taber Park for individuals with Veteran license plates.”

The motion will now go to the Traffic Commission for action – they can decide to implement a change or ignore it.

Veteran can apply for a Veterans license plate here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veteran-and-military-license-plates . Ironically, Veterans must pay $40-$100 RMV fee to get a plate.