Greater City Providence

Resident parking signs going up

prov-bos-residentparking

Resident Parking Signs Providence left [by jwest] Boston right [(cc) rherring]

Yay! Resident parking signs have started to appear on the West Side. I just have one small nitpick, design. I say this all the time, we are home to one of the world’s most prestigious design schools and are the home to hundreds of independent designers and small design firms, but you would never know it sometimes by looking at our city streets.

It’s a small thing really, but it is the small things that add up. These are special parking spaces, and the signage should reflect that. The Boston sign above is not the peak of design excellence, but it is a unique sign that quickly states it’s message to those looking for it. Boston residents know to look for the green helvetica “Resident Permit Parking Only” signs. And they are unique enough that those not familiar with them take notice and read the message. And I feel like the message on the Providence sign should be different. “Parking by Resident Permit Only 2am – 5am,” seems more right to me. It is not, “No Parking,” parking is allowed, just not for everyone. And presumably, parking is open to anyone 5am – 2am.

Maybe I’m being overly nitpicky, but I’d like to see us as a city, step it up in the design department some.

Jef Nickerson

Jef is Greater City Providence's co-founder, editor, and publisher. He grew up on Cape Cod and lived in Boston; Portland, Maine; and New York before settling in Providence. In addition to urbanism, Jef is interested in art, design, and ice cream. Please feel free to contact Jef if you have any question or comments about Greater City Providence.

10 comments

  • I’ll take the ugly signs. I’m just thrilled that we actually have parking!!!!!!!

    Best n’hood in PVD….West Side!!!

  • Indeed, rational parking regulations trump poor design, I just need to have something to complain about at all times. 🙂

  • I’m pretty sure most regulatory street signage has to adhere to federal highway standards. Not to make excuses of course…

  • Yes it has to adhere to federal standards. Oh, the other thing, I seem to recall that the city statute must be cited on the sign. I know people who’ve gotten out of parking tickets when they mention that.

  • I live in this area and have yet to receive any application information about applying for a permit! Have people been applying/getting permits already? Did I miss something, I’ve been searching for information on it online and haven’t found anything.

    (and I agree about the design, but I’m relieved to have this moving forward regardless)

  • Hi Bonnie – I spoke with the city about two wks ago and they said that once all the signs are up (probably just finished) letters will go out. I would keep an eye out over the next week or so for a letter.

  • poor typography ? How about INDIA POINT PARK BRIDGE ? Now, that is a BIG embarrassment…

  • New York clearly rolls with some non-standard No Parking signs:


    Photo (cc) ianqui


    Photo (cc) maura


    Photo (cc) Diego_3336


    Photo (cc) ianqui

    I’ve always been partial to the No Parking ‘P’ with a broom through it.

    States do have the right to add amendments to the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devises or adopt their own MUTCD. This is the section on No Parking signs. I wish RIPTA would adopt the one with the bus graphic, no parking graphic, and space for the transit logo.

  • I have seen the RIPTA no parking version somewhere in Warwick I think. Or maybe in EP on North Broadway? I definately have seen it somewhere…

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