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SAN DIEGO – A new ban on curbside parking along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter on Friday and Saturday nights goes into effect Labor Day weekend.

Community leaders hope the two-year pilot plan improves access, congestion and safety for the popular nightlife-oriented district.

“The removal of parking along 5th Avenue during weekend evenings is going to significantly increase pedestrian safety and improve emergency vehicle access in the Gaslamp Quarter,” said Councilmember Todd Gloria.

Starting Friday, September 2, all street parking on 5th Avenue from Broadway to Harbor Drive will be converted to a three minute passenger loading zone. The new parking regulations will be enforced every Friday and Saturday evening from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Signage for the new pedestrian loading zone was installed and the city will begin issuing notices to all violating vehicles as part of a three-week grace period. On September 30, vehicles parking in violation of the posted signage will be issued citations and impounded.

The San Diego City Council approved the new rules in June. The changes were initiated by community groups including the Gaslamp Quarter Association and the Downtown Community Parking District.