Glendale : Parking Fines Boosted

Car-poolers who now opt for a Glendale parking ticket over a downtown Los Angeles garage fee will find their illegal choice less cost-effective.

The Glendale City Council on Tuesday unanimously boosted parking fines by 21% to 43% to discourage car-poolers and other perpetual violators who use time-limited city lots. The higher rates take effect immediately.

In a report to the council, Lt. Raymond A. Edey, traffic bureau commander, said the city’s old fines, such as $14 for an expired meter, “simply do not provide sufficient economic incentive for compliance.” Edey said police studies found some drivers consider a Glendale ticket a savings over a $20 to $30 daily fee for parking in some Los Angeles garages. The new fine for parking at an expired meter in Glendale is now $18, similar to fees charged by other area cities.

Fines for other violations, such as parking in a red zone or blocking an alley, driveway or sidewalk, have jumped from $21 to $30. The penalty for errant use of a handicapped parking zone is now $105, up from $75. Failure to pay citations within 30 days will double the penalty.

Glendale officials said they do not expect the higher fees to generate more revenue for the city, but to reduce the number of violations, which currently average about 13,000 citations a month. “This increase will help bring people into compliance,” Edey said.

A portion of the increase is attributed to new state legislation requiring the city to turn over $5 from every citation to the county for new court construction.