Monterey Park : Lower Parking Fines Urged

The City Council on Monday decided that the $20 fine for illegal parking on street sweeping days is excessive, and is asking the courts to lower the penalty to $13.

At the suggestion of Councilman Sam Kiang, who said he has had to pay the fine three times, the council voted 3 to 2 to request the reduction. City officials say the Alhambra Municipal Court, which is required to authorize the change, is likely to lower the fee.

Mayor Betty Couch and Councilwoman Judy Chu voted against the reduction, arguing that lowering the fine would impose a financial hardship on the city. Monterey Park stands to lose $100,800 each year if it lowers the fine. Currently, the city collects $244,800 from street-sweeping violators.