By: Las Vegas Now Staff
The City of Las Vegas is owed several million dollars in outstanding parking tickets. Because nothing's worked so far to collect that money, officials are trying something new.
Written notices, debt collectors and even the boot are not enough to make some parking violators pay. City Finance Director Mark Vincent says the city is currently owed nearly $10 million in outstanding parking tickets and penalties, going back more than ten years.
“But two-thirds of that $9.8 million is penalties,” he said.
And that's what Las Vegas city officials are willing to forgive during a six day parking ticket amnesty program — but not because the city doesn't need the money, “We view this as money we probably wouldn't get without the amnesty program.”
A simple parking ticket for an expired meter will cost you $20. But if you're caught parking in a fire lane or handicapped spot, that's a $250 fine. Then, late fees can double, even triple that amount.
Vincent says one elderly driver who was ticketed three times for parking in a handicapped spot didn't realize how quickly those penalties can pile up, “She ended up owing $2,250.”
City officials say previous moratoriums on traffic tickets have proven to be successful, so officials want to see if a parking ticket amnesty program will also work to collect on these old debts.
“It's an opportunity for people with old tickets or who lost a ticket to get it taken care of, get the penalties waived and clear up their credit record,” said Vincent.
But just like those parking meters, time is ticking away, and if you don't act soon, your opportunity to save some money and clear up your record will expire.
The amnesty program will be held July 29 to July 31, 2008 and again on August 5 to August 7, 2008. Parking tickets can be paid at 417 North 7th Street in Downtown Las Vegas.
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