Increasing parking rates on those high-demand streets, the theory goes, will nudge some drivers to either seek out slightly more distant streets or find other ways to get downtown. That, in turn, frees up more of those high-demand spaces in the core, making parking easier for other visitors.

How do higher rates make parking easier?

Imagine you’re grabbing lunch near Main and Chippewa streets. You have several parking options under the new rules: park right outside the restaurant on a high-demand street for $2 per hour; park on Oak Street for $2 per 10 hours and walk three blocks; or take some combination of ride-share, bike-share, bus or Metro Rail to reach your destination.

If even a few drivers choose the second or third options, the city reasons, more spots will be available at Main and Chippewa for people with short-term parking needs, such as eating meals, working out or attending meetings. Officials plan to monitor this over the next three months and make changes if it's not working.

Is there any reason for the new policy, besides higher turnover?