Either Richmond’s yellow-jacketed parking enforcement officers are getting more vigilant or city drivers are forgetting to move their parked cars around the block.
Whatever the case, the city took in 30 percent more in parking ticket fines in 2010 compared with the year before, according to data requested from the city. That is an increase of just over $1 million for a total of $4.34 million. Revenue collected from tickets in 2009 was $3.31 million.
In 2010, 128,042 tickets were written, compared with 119,866 in 2009.
March was the busiest month for parking enforcers last year, with 15,107 tickets written. December was the slowest, with 8,583 citations written.
Although parking ticket revenue is going up, the city is getting it done with fewer people.
The city has a contract with Lanier Parking Services to enforce parking. The company has 24 full- and part-time enforcers working the beat, six fewer than this time last year.
The company receives 3 percent of issued fines and 3 percent of meter collections. Meter collections totaled $775,493 last year.
Either Richmond’s yellow-jacketed parking enforcement officers are getting more vigilant or city drivers are forgetting to move their parked cars around the block.
Whatever the case, the city took in 30 percent more in parking ticket fines in 2010 compared with the year before, according to data requested from the city. That is an increase of just over $1 million for a total of $4.34 million. Revenue collected from tickets in 2009 was $3.31 million.
In 2010, 128,042 tickets were written, compared with 119,866 in 2009.
March was the busiest month for parking enforcers last year, with 15,107 tickets written. December was the slowest, with 8,583 citations written.
Although parking ticket revenue is going up, the city is getting it done with fewer people.
The city has a contract with Lanier Parking Services to enforce parking. The company has 24 full- and part-time enforcers working the beat, six fewer than this time last year.
The company receives 3 percent of issued fines and 3 percent of meter collections. Meter collections totaled $775,493 last year.
I have mixed feelings about this. It is great that the city is able to find additional sources of revenue and even better to do so more efficiently with fewer people. I am even ok with more stringent parking enforcement but where does it stop? Will the Richmond cops start issuing speeding tickets for going 1 MPH over the limit within the city limits?
I guess the fact that the private company that has been writing parking tickets for the city for over a decade having their contract being up for renewal has nothing at all to do with it. Nothing to see here, move along now.
The City still does not get it. HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO COME INTO THE CITY
no wonder the surrounding counties are growing and the city keeps pushing people out
I received a $60 parking ticket a few months ago while in Jackson Ward for parking past my one hour welcome — that seems ridiculously pricy to me. This article doesn’t mention whether parking fines have quietly increased.
I also noticed that the parking ticket service (where one sends their check for payment) has been outsourced to another state, which is ironic if we’re trying to make money and keep jobs in-state.
I moved my business OUT of Richmond three years ago largely because of this ticket situation, not only because of the ones we received but also tickets that clients received when meeting with us. Had my car booted – in error – which was the final straw. Hello Hanover County! 3 years – no tickets, lower taxes, friendly government.
Thank you, Stu! I couldn’t agree more. Richmond swarms with ticket police – I’ve even watched them stand by a meter waiting for the time to tick by, eager to “lay one down.” This is the craziest situation; penalizing people who shop and eat downtown. I can understand enforcement of parking, but this seems to be wildly out of line – a revenue stream counter to city welfare. I’m fearful every time I park downtown… talk about a disincentive! Everyone I know talks about it.
Does the 24 full and part-time employees include the one who naps all day in her cart behind the Pollack Building on the VCU campus?
If they are writing so many tickets, why do they let so many cars park unticketed in Exchange Alley, between 12th and 14th, markd with numerous “No Parking” signs.
Doesn’t Lanier Parking receive rather more than 3% of issued fines and meter receipts? At those rates it does not seem like a money making proposition for the 24 employees, let alone the parking company.
Well, I know they do a lot of street cleaning around where I live and they post signs like 4-6 days in advance to not park there after 8am, and every time I’m awoken to the sounds of 6 or so tow trucks picking up the dozens of cars that didn’t move around 9am. Its annoying that the owners of the cars didn’t just wake up and move their car. I also got a ticket for parking at an out of order meter…which is bull and after a quick phone call they dismissed the ticket…the system isn’t that bad.
Yea so. How. About the meter guy who hangs out bu the vcu commons and checks out all of your daughters. Who manages these people.
Funny how this article doesn’t mention that in the last year ticket prices for a normal past-your-parking-time ticket went from $20 to $50. Ever think maybe that’s also how they’re suddenly making so much more money?? The cost of every ticket has gone up, the cheapest now being $50, insane considering that’s what the cost of tickets in much larger cities, like DC, are.
I got a ticket for parking “within 20 feet of a crosswalk”. I was not blocking a crosswalk and was probably a 1/4 car length from the actual intersection. I ended up contesting in court and won, but was told that it is an enforceable violation. There should be 4 signs at every intersection that say no parking. The judge did not want to explain why this is a law that does not require signs and that it seemed arbitrarily enforced. I have since moved from downtown and this is one of the regular inconveniences that I no longer deal… Read more »
These complaints are outrageous, I have been parking in all parts of the city for over a decade and have NEVER gotten a ticket I didn’t deserve. Follow the rules! You should remember that you can’t park near all these obstacles (such as intersections) from driving school. I realise this may have been many years in the past for some, but that’s no excuse to forget how to operate you vehicle. Take some responsibility for your own actions. Yes, sometimes mistakes are made but for the most part if you obey the law you won’t have any problems. Richmond is… Read more »
@john m
In London, they not only have tickets for parking, but in order to enter the city you have pay a toll. That means every road in the entire city is a toll road. Now, I hardly hear complaints of a lack of vitality in London’s economy. I think parking tickets have nothing to do with Richmond’s growth. I agree with Kevin Anderson above me; it’s not that hard to avoid getting a ticket. If you really want to help Richmond grow, maybe we should remember that cars are not compatible with cities.
I have somewhat of a moral problem with a government relying on people to break a law in order to generate revenue.