Ann Arbor parking fines and late charges to increase Thursday
Expect to pay a little extra for expired parking meters in Ann Arbor - especially if you're a procrastinator.
New parking fines and late fee charges recently approved by the Ann Arbor City Council go into effect Thursday.
Expired parking meter fines are increasing from $15 to $20.
The major changes are in the discounts and late fee penalties. The current fee structure offers the fine amount, a discount for paying by the end of the next business day, a 14-day late fee and a default payment after that. The new structure adds a 30-day late fee - but also applies the discount to several new ticket types.
So, for instance, if you received a ticket for parking on a lawn extension today, you would pay $35 - or $45 after 14 days and $55 after that. Starting Thursday, you could pay $25 if you paid by the end of the next business day, $35 until 14 days, $55 after 14 days, $75 at 30 days and $85 for a default payment.
• See the complete list of tickets and fines
The actual fine amounts don't increase in many areas - except parking meters. Expect to pay $20 for an expired meter instead of $15 after Thursday. And if you don't pay within 30 days, you'll be slapped with $70 in fees instead of $40.
The changes don't impact the hours of enforcement. In recent months, the City Council and Downtown Development Authority have been debating whether to extend parking meter enforcement hours past 6 p.m. in downtown.
The new Public Parking & Transportation Demand Management Strategies Plan recommends shifting enforcement of on-street parking meters so they extend three hours later to 9 p.m. That plan, which has been opposed by many downtown businesses and employees, has not been approved by the council.
According to city information released today, the updated parking fee structure includes three components:
- Violations are grouped into four categories and fines are standardized by category (expired meter, minor and near hazard, hazard and nuisance).
- An additional penalty is added to every fine at 30 days.
- A $10 discount is offered for early payment of all fines.
Parking fines can still be paid in one of four ways:
- Via mail (check or money order only) to City of Ann Arbor Processing Center, P.O. Box 2066, Tarrytown, N.Y., 10591.
- Online at the city’s website.
- Calling 866-890-4982
- The 24-hour drop box outside City Hall at 100 North Fifth Avenue.
A complete overview of the new and former fees and late charges are available on the city’s website.
Comments
Sidonnie Elliott-Corley
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
First of all, this isn't no 'Emerald City', I feel that this place just takes and takes and takes from people that just a place to park at a decent rate so they can go to there jobs!!! Keep this up and NO ONE!! will be willing to come to you town to do much of anything!! Have some humanity!!!
Dysebel
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 9:42 a.m.
For only 25 years, I have parked in front of St. Thomas Catholic Church on Kingsley (i.e. 7:30 AM service) and have never gotten a ticket. Low and behold, 2 Sundays ago I and other attendees of the Sunday service got a parking ticket. It was my understanding fro many years especially at the time of Fr. Roger Prokoff that parking was allowed there during Sundays and holydays of obligation. What happened Parking Enforcers.... have you been so greedy that even a day for the LORD need to be penalized???? same on you for treating us like criminals in a town we so loved. Parking and Parking tickets horror is now attached to Ann Arbor...Let's see if our city still makes it to be one of the best cities in this country.
A2girl7
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 12:21 a.m.
It saddens me that the city and the DDA seem so intent on making money off of parking, it should not be something the city relies on to balance the budget. Parking fees should be developed to increase and maximize ability to get in and around the city to increase the amount of people coming to Ann arbor. I hope the council and the morons at the DDA read these comments, I saw several people won't be coming to a2 to dine anymore, nice work guys, also a great idea in this poor economy to try to stick it to people even more. I'll bet the same moron who thought of the bike racks that take up parking spots thought up this lovely money making scheme. Do those racks have to pay the meter btw? On a side note when my parents went to school here they did rebel against the citys parking enforcement maybe we do need a good old fashioned protest, I'm in!
Carolyn
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:18 p.m.
Just in time for the Summer Art Fair.....................
lemondrop
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:48 p.m.
Why I don't shop in downtown Ann Arbor. 1. Not very many stores. 2. No place to park. 3. Tickets are expensive. The ticket police lurk nearby so they are ready the moment your meter expires. 4. Very expensive meters.
Jim Walker
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
Higher parking fines and late charges will just drive more people away from the downtown area. There are MANY fine businesses, restaurants, libraries, shopping areas, and other destinations around Ann Arbor where the parking is free and the risk of parking fines is zero. Continuing to use the driving public as a profitable revenue source with moving and non-moving violations that have nothing to do with safety is counterproductive for the city. Regards, Jim Walker, Member, National Motorists Association, www.motorists.org
CountyKate
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:49 a.m.
Good luck, Ann Arbor! When I relax I don't want to be thinking about the meter. I won't be coming to A2 unless I have to.
Chuck Warpehoski
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
I do think the city needs to make it easier for people to early pay. Yesterday I was talking to 2 women from Lansing trying to find out where to early pay. It's not on the ticket that I could find, and with the construction by city hall I wasn't sure where to direct them (they decided to pay by phone). I'm OK with the raised fines, but we should have better "customer service" to go with them so that people can still get the cheaper fine.
tlb1201
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.
Rodney, That's the most reasonable thing I have seen on this page. Well, that and the comments questioning why we are sending work that should be kept local to Tarrytoons, NY.
John of Saline
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:37 a.m.
In another town, I used the pay envelope to pay a parking fine in nickels and dimes. It was satisfying to hear that hit the bottom of the drop box.
LAEL
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:07 a.m.
After a last ticket price hike the city complained that their revenues declined because more people were coming in early to claim the discount price or making sure to put enough money in the meter! Instead of reducing the rates back to the more profitable lower rate, they just complained about people actually paying on time. Now the rate is going up yet more, and I bet even more people are going to be careful to pay that ticket early. They had crossed a threshold when they raised the ticket price from $10 to $15 (and raised the discount to $10). I used to not worry too much about getting tickets back when they were a discounted $5-7, but since the last hikes happened I've paid maybe five parking tickets over the last five years. I plan my trips more carefully now, make sure I have plenty of change on hand, and linger less. I talked to an out of town woman once who got a ticket at the end of the day. She went to city hall after hours, and the cop on duty told her that she was just too late to pay the discounted rate and would have to just suck up the full ticket price. She didn't know she could use the drop box right in front in the cop, and he didn't tell her! Don't let that happen to you. Last time I used the drop box, it had a time stamp, and I stamp both my check and the envelope so that it's very clear when I paid.
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.
I agree wholeheartedly with AASTeve. Let's have an old fashioned organized civil disobedience. Park anywhere you like and don't pay a dime for six months. What the DDA hasn't ever said is that they will only charge a certain amount and no more. Where's the limit? They perceive visitors to downtown as a cash machine. It's getting to the point where you could actually pay more for a parking ticket than a dinner at Real Seafood.
AA
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:17 a.m.
More, more and more $$$$$$$'s. PATHETIC
brad
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:58 a.m.
If you pay your fine quickly, the expired meter fine is still $10 (it doesn't increase). Unfortunately, Mr. Vernellis didn't include that vital information. The DDA planned on raising parking rates (not fines) on 7/1/10, but they delayed enactment. Does anyone know if the DDA has decided on a new date? Last, free parking downtown would be a disaster.
discgolfgeek
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.
Because of Ann Arbor parking practices, I also evade downtown as much as possible. Go to Depot Town in Ypsi where they don't gouge you for parking, the food is considerably less expensive, and just as good. Granted there is way less selection but you will be treated like you are wanted.
dextermom
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:53 a.m.
I couldn't have told you what the fines were so this isn't a big change for me. BUT, I agree with Rulleg - can't we at least provide a job or two process the tickets locally rather than sending them to New York.
dextermom
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:49 a.m.
I agree with Rulleg - When I got a ticket I was surprised to see that we don't even provide a local job or two to process the tickets. We mail them to another state for them to get that revenue.
The Picker
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:22 a.m.
P.S. A2 Steve, When you don't pay your fines they will eventually find your car on the street some day and confiscate it until you pay them. I doubt you will have to do any hard time for these crimes, but your car may!
The Picker
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:14 a.m.
A2 Steve, Your idea will only increase city revenue. They will be happy to give you multiple tickets, then have you towed. The only thing that will straighten this out is for downtown revenues to drop causing many empty parking spaces and meter maids not meeting their ticket quota. Also remember that the DDA is comprised of these business owners. It seems they are bent on self destruction.
AASteve
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 5:37 a.m.
What happens if you don't pay? I suggest we have a good ol' organized protest... Perhaps for the entire month of July we can all go down there, park our cars, and not pay the meter. What are they going to do? Those fees/fines are ridiculous!!! Maybe it's time to sing a few bars of Alice's Restaurant. Just think about it. We get hundreds of people to not pay the meters, and not pay the fines. Are they going to throw all of us in jail? Finally, are these fines in line with what other cities are charging?
free form
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:57 p.m.
Bad news for me. (I'm one of those lazy procrastinator types) Good news for the city coffers.
Tom Hollyer
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:53 p.m.
Why don't you all just park in a structure? Then you don't have to worry about the time.
Soothslayer
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.
Everything has been carefully choreographed to make it more difficult to understand if you have any time left. Smart meters require you find out where they are located, don't know if there is any time left on your meter, keep your reciept, etc. You cant just look at a regular meter to see the status anymore and pay at your vehicle. Removing the convenience of the parking ticket drive through is by design. You are much more likely to forget and then get slammed with a much larger fine... all because you let the meter run out by 25 or 50 cents. The penalty in this case DOES NOT fit the crime. I used to spend gobs of money (read as totally SICK) downtown on a regular basis and thought it was a cool place. Changes put into place by the DDA and City have been engineered to increase parking fine revenue plain and simple. The perception has now become the reality: Visitors are not welcome downtown. Is the real intent in meters/enforcement to get people just to park for a bit and then head out so the spot can be opened up for someone else to do the same? If so this isn't needed as there are no quick stops needed anymore downtown, dining is the only activity. Expect me there never.
stunhsif
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.
Sad to say bye bye to "Real Seafood--Palio--Gratzi--Scorekeepers--Chop House--Arbor Brewing--La Dolce Vita--Jamacian Jerk Pit--Blue Leprechaun. Got two tickets the last two years for spending too much money and enjoying myself too long and not realizing that my parking meter busted me. When I am at a great A2 restaraunt, I don't pay enough attention to the parking meter and have gotten two "hefty" parking tickets. I have no problem spending good money for good food but I hate paying for parking tickets. So Applebees--Max&Ermas--Olive Garden--Webers( which I love) is good enough for me. Bye Bye A2 merchants, good luck!!!!!
Stuart Brown
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:25 p.m.
The city's ticket collection system seems to be the most efficient "service" the city offers these days! Way to go Ann Arbor! Now we can afford to make the bond payments on the new worthless underground parking next to the library. We can also backstop the sweatheart deal that will be offered to the Valient Group to construct more hotel space in a market operating at about 50% capacity before the new space is added.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.
ok, everyone who shops downtown, make sure you bend over when you walk by city hall
The Picker
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:09 p.m.
It's not so much the price as it is the feeling that the city is constantly sticking it to you. Makes you want to go somewhere you don't have to put up with this poking!
rulieg
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:06 p.m.
"tickets can be paid by mail to City of Ann Arbor Processing Center, Tarrytown, NY." huh? why is the city sending any sort of work outside the state of Michigan?
Lokalisierung
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 6:53 p.m.
"When I drove out, I was bewildered because I could not find the booth. Believe it or not parking in Vegas is free." Another spot on comparison; Ann Arbor and Las Vages.
Mick52
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.
I was in Vegas for a weekend once and while just checking the strip out I parked in a huge parking structure. Nicest one I ever parked in. When I drove out, I was bewildered because I could not find the booth. Believe it or not parking in Vegas is free. Parking should be free. I propose a ballot initiative to end parking fees and lower parking fines for tickets issued only for parking in non parking spaces.
xmo
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 5:09 p.m.
This should be a real boom to downtown Ann Arbor business! Nothing like making spending money downtown more expensive. I guess those greedy business owners who pay outragous taxes should thank the warm and fuzzy city council members for this act of kindness! :)
a2commuter
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.
The 24 hour drop box outside City Hall is located on E Ann St.
djm12652
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:57 p.m.
@treetowncartel...that's RO, where they actually WANT people to come into town and enjoy themselves.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.
In Royal Oak you get a half hour for a quarter. Also, what is up with using a NY company for a city contract?
djm12652
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:49 p.m.
@Robert...I don't believe God is allowed in politics...especially in A2...but, what I can say is thanks a lot! Now, due to the increased costs associated with parking violations, I will probably be forced to tow even more people out of my private parking spot...thus risking additional damage to my vehicle by irate people feeling they're entitled to do what they wish in the Emerald City...at any cost to avoid paying for parking. If I have to hear "do you know who I am?" by the everso genteel entitled one more time, I'll scream!
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:43 p.m.
Paying from the city's website and by telephone will dock you another $3.50. Out of curiosity, has anyone ever contested a parking ticket and won?
UFOfairyologist
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.
hmmm... I have been working hard to make down town Ann Arbor more enticing, and the city seems to show very little creativity in doing so. I love going down town, but I can see why many people would avoid it.
Dr. I. Emsayin
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:11 p.m.
At least when there was an easy drive through or an easy place to park to pay the fine right after going to your car the fine could be paid in a timely way. I suggest the city make it easier to pay fines before raising the fine rates. Once I get home, it's not as easy to remember to pay. Driving to a place and paying at a window or drop box with easy parking would help.
John of Saline
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:11 p.m.
Post office vending machines used to give dollar coins in change.
scooter dog
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.
No problem I QUIT shopping downtown eons ago I avoid it,Ann Arbor,like the plague
uawisok
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.
I guess this is one of many "revenue" streams the city will rasie to cover it's deficit spending.
John of Saline
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.
Reminder: the meters accept dollar coins. Get a roll at the bank and you won't be using as many quarters.