REDUCING THE BURDEN OF THE HIDDEN PARKING TAX

February 22, 2004

Chicago Sun Times

Parking scofflaws get chance to boot the boot

Fran Spielman

Roughly 280,000 motorists who have together accumulated $260 million worth of overdue parking tickets will get a rare chance to escape the Denver boot, beginning March 1, without having to pay what they owe in one lump sum.

For the first time since 1987, City Hall is offering payment plans that give scofflaws up to one year to settle their debts. For the first month only, the program will be open even to those motorists whose vehicles have already been booted.

The decision to give beleaguered motorists -- now eligible for the boot after just three unpaid parking tickets -- a break before City Hall tightens the noose with higher parking fines, followed repeated demands by lakefront Ald. Helen Shiller

Mayor Daley agreed, even though Chicago's last payment plan offer was a revenue disaster. It resulted in a "50 to 60 percent" default rate.

This time around, City Hall is hoping built-in penalties will dramatically reduce the number of deadbeats. They range from a $100 default fee and automatic placement on the boot list to a lifetime ban from any future payment plans.

The payment plan is open only to those motorists who have piled up more than $500 in overdue parking tickets. A mass mailing has already alerted them to the city's offer.

To get out from under their debt, motorists must agree to pay 25 percent of what they owe immediately or $500, whichever is greater. They can pay off the rest through a negotiated plan no longer than 12 months.

Drivers who adhere to those provisions from March 1 to March 31 can get the boot removed by paying all other outstanding parking fees, including boot and storage fees.

For motorists who can justify an economic hardship, the down payment will be reduced to $250 or 25 percent of the outstanding debt, whichever is less.

After March 31, the program will be limited to those who are boot eligible but not already booted.

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