Council discusses tripling San Mary's parking fines to deter illegal parking

Parking ticket prices are set to triple in St. Augustine, sparking concerns among city commissioners about the potential impact on residents and visitors. During a recent Special City Commission meeting, officials discussed increasing fines for illegal parking from $35 to $100, a move aimed at discouraging unlawful parking in critical areas.

One commissioner expressed worry that the steep increase could unfairly penalize visitors, particularly those attending events at local churches. “I don’t want someone to be charged $100 just for coming to see me,” they stated, highlighting the potential for negative experiences among residents' guests.

The rationale behind the hike is to create a stronger deterrent against illegal parking, especially in areas like Fort Greene, where current fines are deemed insufficient. “$35 isn’t stiff enough for them to not park there,” another commissioner noted, emphasizing the need for effective disincentives to ensure safety and accessibility.

While the discussion acknowledged the necessity of higher penalties for illegal parking, there was a consensus that the proposed $100 fine might be excessive. Suggestions included possibly lowering the increase to $50 or implementing clearer signage to inform drivers of the risks involved.

The commission plans to revisit this topic in future meetings, allowing for further discussion and potential adjustments to the proposed fines. As the city navigates these changes, the balance between enforcing parking regulations and accommodating residents and visitors remains a critical focus.