New parking fines now in effect

Violating the city's parking rules just got more expensive as city council approved new rates.

Most fines are $50, double the price tag it cost tardy parkers previously. But, the three-hour cumulative rule for downtown won't kick in until the new license place recognition system has been installed.

Staff told council Monday crews had started to install pay stations and should be up and running by end of November. Staff are also working on creating volunteer permits because some organizations have expressed concern.

Here's the city's round-up of the most important changes, or click here for the full list of parking fees:

- Most fines are now $50.

- Fines related to being too close to a cross walk or fire hydrant are now $75.

- Fines related to parking in a disabled stall are now $100.

- After the third infraction of overtime parking, the fine will be $75 for each infraction after that. The fine will remain $75 thereafter, and does not reset each year.

- As before, there is no reduction for early payment of fines.

- The new three hour time limit downtown will not change until the signage is changed and the City installs its License Place Recognition software. This is expected to occur sometime in October. The City will communicate to the public when the software is about to be installed.

- Tickets issued prior to today are still at the old rates.