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Parking fines set to increase in Lafayette

Mike Loizzo
/
WBAA Radio

The City of Lafayette is considering a hike in parking fines. The Parking Commission approved the move Monday.

Officials say it’s been roughly 15 years since the last increase in parking fines. Compared to West Lafayette, Bloomington and Muncie, the city currently has lower penalties.

Many fines would double from $10 to $20. That includes violating the time limit for a parking spot, as well as parking in a no-parking zone, tow away zone, and loading zone for longer than the posted time limit. Parking illegally in a handicap spot would rise from $10 to $100, in addition to the $100 fine from the state.

Mayor Tony Roswarski says they want to drive long-term parking to the garages downtown, freeing up the on-street spaces for those who want to shop or eat at a restaurant.

The city council must give final approval before the changes take effect, which is scheduled for January 1, 2014. The council is expected to take an initial vote next month.

Penalties for parking violations ordinance proposal:

  • Overtime parking violation from $10 to $20
  • Stopping or parking vehicles in fire lanes or stopping, standing or parking within 15 feet of any fire hydrant from $25 to $50
  • Stopping or parking in a no parking, tow away, or stopping/standing in a loading zone in violation of posted time restriction, or in violation of a posting, marking or regulation from $10 to $20
  • Parked against the lawful flow of traffic or parking with wheels more than 12” in from curb from $10 to $20
  • Parking in the travel lane for any reason except mechanical breakdown or unloading freight in a business district or major/minor arterial street from $10 to $20
  • Parking in a space designated as reserved for handicapped parking from $10 to $100, in addition to applicable state fines
  • Fine for violations for which a fine is not listed from $10 to $50

Escalation of fines and costs of collection

  • A $20 fine that remains unpaid after 30 days shall increase to $50. A fine that remains unpaid for more than 60 days shall increase to $100
  • A $50 fine that remains unpaid after 30 days shall increase to $100
  • If there are no other unpaid violations outstanding, the escalated portion of the fine may be waived under rules and procedures established by the Parking Commission
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