Changes are coming in the time allotted for free parking in the spaces near businesses in the Garland Avenue Parking Garage.

The changes will be made as the result of a request from the merchants and the University of Arkansas Bookstore located at the corner of Garland Avenue and Douglas Street.

Specifically, they have asked that the 45-minute free parking areas located on the western side of the garage on level 3 and on adjacent streets be reduced to 30 minutes of free parking.

This request has been made because drivers have parked for free in the 45-minute spaces without doing business with the merchants who operate in the facility.

The parking spaces will be designated as 30-minute parking beginning on Monday, Jan. 14, which is the first day of classes of the spring semester.

There are 38 such parking spaces in the area. Twenty-six of those are located in a row in the garage just a few feet from the doors of the businesses that operate there. Four are on Garland Avenue in front of the businesses. Eight are located on Douglas Street.

Signs will be posted to clarify that the free parking in the area is for 30 minutes only.