A ‘fine’ time for parking
New parking policy may ease fines

By KATHERINE MORRIS
Collegian Staff Writer

Drivers parking downtown can receive a 50-percent discount on parking tickets if they are paid at the police station within 30 minutes of their issuance, according to a new borough policy.

Although this plan has been in effect for only five weeks and applies only to tickets issued for parking-meter violations, many motorists already have reaped the benefits. Within the first four weeks, 82 drivers were able to make it to the station within the time limit and received the discount, said Ed Holmes, State College Borough parking manager.

With this new policy comes the possibility of motorists halting the feeding of the meter. In some cases, being issued a ticket and receiving the discount can cost less than putting money in the meter.

"One of the borough council's concerns is that more people will be prompted to take the risk of letting the meter expire or not feed the meter at all," Holmes said.

He added he does not expect to see a drop in meter revenues, though the borough could see an increase in the number of motorists willing to take the risk of getting a ticket. An expired meter parking ticket is $4 when issued, so motorists only have to pay $2 if they pay promptly.

"If you can park for cheaper than putting money in the meter, of course people are going to take advantage," Lisa Neville (senior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management) said.

One of the drawbacks for many motorists is the small window of time they have to pay the ticket.

"I think it's a great policy, although I think they should allot more time for the driver to pay the ticket. A student could be in class and wouldn't even realize they got a ticket until the time had already expired," Angie Moschini (sophomore-dairy and animal science) said.

Holmes stressed the goal of the policy is to "give motorists the benefit of the doubt," not to reward drivers who fail to feed the meter. The policy is designed to help drivers who are unable to get back to their cars in time because of uncontrollable circumstances. The time constraint is adequate for those types of situations, he added.

This new ticketing strategy is only applicable to parking-meter violations off campus. Students receiving fines for parking on campus will not benefit from the plan.

"Instituting a similar policy hasn't been discussed as of yet. I can't foresee that happening," Jean Harris, manager of the University Parking Office, said.

The borough's policy is scheduled for four more weeks, Holmes said, and the borough council will then reevaluate its effectiveness.