Click on the video to see how easy it is to use the new meters. Just remember to take a picture of your license plate, or write it down, to make the process go smoothly.
Day: August 11, 2016
Grace Period for Parking Citations in Annapolis Announced
Annapolis, MD (8-10-16) – In an effort to educate the public on new escalating fines for residential parking and increases for metered parking in the city, Mayor Michael Pantelides announced a grace period for first time offenders will be allowed until October 1, 2016.
During this time, residents and visitors can learn more about the new parking regulations and fine schedule, and the city will gather public input to determine potential changes to the fine schedule and to parking districts.
The city’s new comprehensive parking firm, SP+, has been implementing a series of new programs as it manages the day-to-day parking and enforcement operations. Metered parking in the city will increase from $20 to $40 per ticket. In addition, an escalating fine schedule will be implemented in residential areas to eliminate the illegal use of residential parking spaces. As part of the public education process, first time offenders for both metered and residential parking will receive a written warning that encourages the vehicle owner to explore alternative parking options at annapolisparking.com.
During the grace period, repeat offenders for illegal parking in a residential area will continue to receive a $40 ticket for each violation, rather than the escalating fines up to $140.00, even if they have incurred multiple violations.
In the past the residential fine was $35.00 for each violation, but City Council adopted a new fine schedule and SP+ will be enforcing the schedule beginning on October 1, 2016:
Fine for initial offense: $40.00 (Two times the daily maximum garage fee)
Second violation in a one year period: $70.00
Third violation in a one year period: $105.00
Fourth violation (or greater) in a one year period: $140.00
SP+ is using new License Plate Recognition technology, which is mounted on two enforcement vehicles and will allow for a more accurate reading of license plates on vehicles that have been parked illegally in a residential district. By mounting the technology on vehicles, enforcement officers can cover routes faster and more efficiently than they previously have on foot.
Mayor Pantelides also asked SP+ to work with local business owners to ensure that employees have options for affordable parking and don’t rely on residential parking as an option. SP+ is currently reviewing a variety of alternatives and is collecting data that will be used to identify potential programs and possible legislation to assist employee programs in the future.