PARKING PAYMENT PLANS

November 20, 2003

Parking proposal offers pay plan

Jimmy Greenfield, RedEye.

Parking scofflaws whose cars have been booted would be allowed to set up payment plans and retrieve their vehicles before their entire fine is paid, according to a proposal introduced Wednesday at the Chicago City Council meeting.

The proposed ordinance, introduced by Ald. Helen Shiller (46th), would authorize the Department of Revenue to set up payment plans for vehicle owners with outstanding debts because of parking violations, booting fees and storage fees.

Owners of booted cars would be eligible to get back their cars if they agree to a payment plan and come up with at least 25 percent of the money they owe. While Shiller's ordinance might give drivers incentive to pay up, an ordinance introduced two weeks ago by Ald. Bernard Stone (50th) could have the opposite effect. Stone's proposal would forbid the city to collect on parking tickets that are more than 7 years old.

Both proposed ordinances have been referred to the Finance Committee.

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