When it comes to parking violations, if you commit the crime, you end up paying a fine. Soon in Hazleton, drivers caught red-handed could be coughing up more dough.
Hazleton's city council members voted unanimously to raise parking fines which would triple the cost of some fees.
Right now, parking illegally in a handicapped zone is a $25 fine. Parking in fire lane or in front of a fire hydrant gets a driver a $20 fine. If the ordinance becomes law, both fines jump to $75.
"Seventy-five dollars for parking in the wrong spot? I'm sorry, not everybody could pay that, especially in Hazleton," said Hazleton resident Jamie Rodriguez.
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta said the fines will not only reduce violation but also generate revenue for the city.
"Rather than looking to raise taxes on people who pay their bills or do not break the laws, it makes more sense to raise the fines on people who are violating the laws," said Barletta.
The new ordinance also calls for a $75 fine to be imposed on vehicles with either missing or expired registration or inspection stickers. Currently no fines are issued on vehicles found with that violation.
Hazleton police said vehicles with inspection or registration violations are currently only slapped with a warning sticker.
"This is going to put some more teeth into it. If you have a dollar amount up front that actually may force the person to make their vehicle up to code," said Corporal Kenneth Zipovsky with the Hazleton Police Department.
The fines for parking at an expired meter will remain the same at $10, however fines for violations like double parking or parking in front of driveways will increase from $20 to $30.
Council is expected to make a final vote on November 5.
Hazleton's city council members voted unanimously to raise parking fines which would triple the cost of some fees.
Right now, parking illegally in a handicapped zone is a $25 fine. Parking in fire lane or in front of a fire hydrant gets a driver a $20 fine. If the ordinance becomes law, both fines jump to $75.
"Seventy-five dollars for parking in the wrong spot? I'm sorry, not everybody could pay that, especially in Hazleton," said Hazleton resident Jamie Rodriguez.
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta said the fines will not only reduce violation but also generate revenue for the city.
"Rather than looking to raise taxes on people who pay their bills or do not break the laws, it makes more sense to raise the fines on people who are violating the laws," said Barletta.
The new ordinance also calls for a $75 fine to be imposed on vehicles with either missing or expired registration or inspection stickers. Currently no fines are issued on vehicles found with that violation.
Hazleton police said vehicles with inspection or registration violations are currently only slapped with a warning sticker.
"This is going to put some more teeth into it. If you have a dollar amount up front that actually may force the person to make their vehicle up to code," said Corporal Kenneth Zipovsky with the Hazleton Police Department.
The fines for parking at an expired meter will remain the same at $10, however fines for violations like double parking or parking in front of driveways will increase from $20 to $30.
Council is expected to make a final vote on November 5.
