Rather than continue with no threat of punishment, Emporia city leaders decided this morning to enforce parking ticket violations by booting vehicles if more than a $100 of tickets are accumulated.
If vehicle owners, do not pay to remove the boot in 48 hours, the vehicle will be towed to the city impound lot. The city may also double the $5 fine to $10 if the tickets is not paid within 10 days of being issued.
“I don’t like to do it, but I don’t see any other solutions,” said Commissioner Bobbie Agler.
As of the end of August, there were a total of 2,685 unpaid parking tickets, some dating as far back as 2008. The total fines on the unpaid tickers were $16,558. The city has not taken action against drivers with unpaid tickets at all this year.
At a study session, commissioners debated the pros and cons of booting, towing, taking people to court or doing nothing. The boot/tow concept won partly because it will get people’s attention.
Read the full story in the Thursday Emporia Gazette.
TexasGirl (anonymous) says...
What a novel concept, enforcing the laws we already have !?!?!!!!!
October 13, 2010 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TeamKansas (anonymous) says...
Exactly TexasGirl - Do they just overlook speeding tickets as well?
If memory serves me correctly didn't the city deny even owning this impound lot??
I for one am not surprised they chose the boot/tow options. This will help them justify buying that lot and building (at taxpayers expense) without any prior approval from the suits on the board. But what do us HICKS know anyways.
October 13, 2010 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
I looked up the cost of these boots. Anywhere from $450 to $750 each depending on the model. Another cost associated with the parking meter white elephant!!!!!!
October 13, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
BOOK EM, DANNO !
October 14, 2010 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Blue_Dog (anonymous) says...
What member of EPD is looking for a job. Because not pushing a button on a computer to issue a letter to a person with a ticket that is 30 days past is wrong. And don't say they can't because a few years ago I didn't pay one promptly and received a note explaining possible actions. 10 months with no action is typical Emporia rules with no enforcement. Heaven forbid someone "important" is ticketed.
October 14, 2010 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )