For more than two months now, the Norwalk Parking Authority has been giving drivers a free ride on parking fees – but that ends this week.

Director of Transportation, Mobility and Parking Kathryn Hebert said as businesses begin to reopen, parking fees will help keep spaces available for customers.

"Enforcement is really crucial to be able to have that turnover, which is really important for the business community for customers,” she said.

The return to enforcing meters was not welcomed by all business owners.

MORE: ParkMobile Discount From Norwalk Now

Matt Storch, the owner of Match Restaurant on Washington Street, said parking fees will only drive customers away – at least until restaurants are back at full capacity.

"That should be the time that we consider charging again. And maybe at a smaller rate,” he said.

Hebert said anyone who lets their meter run dry over the next few weeks is more likely to find a friendly reminder on the windshield than a ticket.

"It's more of a phase-in approach, just like the whole reopening of the state and the city,” she said.

The Parking Authority has teamed up with Norwalk Now to offer a $2 discount on parking through the ParkMobile app.