Protestors took to the steps of City Hall on Monday to put the brakes on a plan to privatize the city's parking meters.

Members of the New York City Traffic Employees Local-14-55 union say the move will hurt smart businesses and cost jobs.

Under the plan, private companies will handle the collection and maintenance of the meters.

Opponents say that would leave the door open for them to raise rates and maybe even fines.

The city will be taking requests for bids until late August.

A spokesperson for the mayor said the city has yet to decide if they will privatize the meters, adding the city would maintain control of rates.