ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Parking fines in St. Augustine could more than double if city commissioners approve the proposal to raise illegal parking fees.
The proposal that would take the $35 fee to $100 was introduced as a direct result of residents’ traffic concerns related to the popular Nights of Lights event.
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The boundary for the fees includes Old Mission Avenue, the Matanzas River, South Street and the San Sebastian River.
Some visitors, like Patrick Smith, believed the increase would be beneficial.
“I think as long as we keep the actual parking fees where they are, and they don’t raise that for the people that are actually following the law, I think it’s a good idea,” Smith said.
The city says it’s received multiple complaints from residents about people blocking driveways and utilities, or parking in front of fire hydrants.
Another person News4JAX spoke with said the real issue was parking availability.
“I understand the fine. The reason for that is to discourage illegal parking, but that doesn’t fix the problem,” Bob Tyrrell said. “They really should think about expanding public parking.”
City commissioners will discuss the proposal during a second reading at a Monday meeting at City Hall on King Street.
It begins at 5 p.m., and residents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the matter.