Tuesday was the first day that increased parking meter rates citywide went into effect, although the hike will be affecting some areas more than others.

The new rates depend on factors such as the neighborhood, population density and difficulty in finding parking. That means more heavily populated areas like Brooklyn Heights will see a higher rate than other areas in the borough.

The city Department of Transportation is reprogramming all meters, going borough by borough over the next few months. Brooklyn was the first. The city is being divided into six zones, each one getting a different rate per hour for parking.

Some residents say it's already hard enough to park in the city and that making meters more costly does not solve the problem.

The DOT says the new rates will ideally lead to improved curb access and parking availability by encouraging a quicker spot turnover.

The next borough to see the rate hike will be Manhattan on Oct. 1.