The city of Austin began enforcing higher fines on March 1 because of new city parking code changes.
Fines for unpaid use of a metered space, parking within an intersection and parking within 30 feet of a stop sign will be increased to $75. Previously, the fine for overdue parking meters was $30, and the penalty for parking illegally near a stop sign or in an intersection was $40.
The goal of the fine increase is to build more mobility and transit options to discourage people from driving cars and to improve safety for cyclists, said Council Member Zohaib Qadri, who represents the University and West Campus.
“Using a car obviously increases traffic, it’s not great for the environment. … Ultimately, it’ll just lead to a better city (and) better environment to be in,” Qadri said.
“Reducing the number of drivers circling the block searching for parking reduces emissions and allows the street network to function better,” said Jack Flagler, a spokesperson for the Transportation and Public Works Department. “Managing parking (ensures) that on-street spaces are available (and) provides better access to businesses, restaurants and retail options in the city.”
Parking fines are collected into the city’s general fund, which pays for city initiatives like parks and libraries.
“Austin had not updated its parking codes in 15 years. The new rules and fines bring these codes up to date as mobility options have changed significantly in that time,” Flagler said. “The changes in fines are intended to encourage people to pay when parking their vehicles in public spaces that are shared by the community, as well as encourage parking in safer designated locations.”
Flagler said ultimately, the city’s goal is to make parking and payment convenient so the number of available spaces increases.
“The best way to save money is to pay for parking before receiving a citation,” Flagler said. “ParkATX users can use the code FREE15ATX1 and FREE15ATX2 for two free 15-minute parking sessions per day. For Austin service and entertainment industry employees who work downtown, the Affordable Parking Program provides access to park in garages at affordable monthly rates.”
However, the fines may have little effect on how students park and commute around the city, said Sasha Robinson, a psychology and Russian and Eastern European studies junior.
“We’re such a car-centric city, so it’s very difficult for students to make that switch,” Robinson said. “They’ll just continue to do it and have to pay the fines.”
