Illegal Parking Fees Jump Today

Violations for illegal parking, like blocking a sidewalk, or a driveway or parking on the wrong side of the street increase today.

Illegal parking fines go from $15 to $20 July 1. As in the past, tickets will be just $15 if people pay the fine within seven days.

Fees were increased after a study analyzed the cost of writing tickets and penalties. Iowa State University's game day parking fees are $20 which was more than the $10 parking fine people would have received for illegal parking in town.

And Ames Police Chief Chuck Cychosz said in some community meetings on the topic, “Neighborhood representatives expressed some frustration with repeat offenses and areas where parking violations were common. In general, there was support for increasing illegal parking fines as a means of promoting compliance with parking regulations.”

Read Ames Patch's earlier coverage on parking below.