RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) - Thousands of people come to Carytown daily to eat, shop or even catch a movie. While many people say there is something for everyone in the Richmond shopping district, some admit parking can be difficult at times.

"It really sucks. There's not a lot of space," shopper Dhara Amim said.

Raul Cantu, Carytown's Merchant Association President, told CBS 6 News he wants to change that parking stigma by coming up with ideas to possibly add a three-hour limit to the free public parking decks that dot the area.

Right now, he said the decks don't have any time restrictions and people park there all day and night.

"Sometimes when we come early in the morning the parking decks are already full before the retail shops are even open, so we feel that there is a lot of abuse," said Cantu.

But business owner, Scott Black told CBS6 News' Chelsea Rarrick he doesn't think regulations would be a good idea.

"I have never not been able to find a parking spot on the the top level of that deck," he said.

Black said it would be better to educate people on where to park rather than when to park. He said people come to spend the entire day or night in Carytown which would go over a three hour parking limit.

Amim said she believes regulations could help.

"I think it would help open up more shopping experiences and we can appreciate the beauty of Carytown," she said.