The meters are gone, and city officials said that's a good thing. They hope it will drum up some business for the downtown area.

The city has been planning to take the meters out ever since AMPCO, the company that enforced parking, moved out earlier this year.

Officials said one of the biggest reasons for the move is to help business. They said some people who work downtown park at the meters, which makes it harder for potential customers. That had some business owners complaining to City Council, saying customers didn't have access to their stores.

In place of the meters, the city plans to put a two-hour time limit on all parking downtown. That way, customers will have a chance to park.

"It gives people a chance to do their business and move on," said David Lalich, Steubenville city councilman. "I think two hours is sufficient."

The city plans to start enforcing the parking as soon as it can get a company to do it. Officials said that could come in the next month.

Right now, parking in downtown Steubenville is free. It remains to be seen if the free parking will help promote businesses in the area.

John Paul, NEWS9