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Detroit Might Increase Parking Fines, Enforcement

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The city of Detroit is considering raising its parking fines as a way to bring more money into city coffers.

Restructuring consultants have recommended that Detroit increase its parking fines for the first time since 2001 and crack down harder on people who don't pay. The recommendations would change the current parking fines of $20, $30 and $100 per ticket to a two-tiered structure of $45 and $150, according to a report in The Detroit News.

The revenue-generating proposal comes as state-appointed emergency manager Kevyn Orr awaits an analysis of the city's parking assets and contemplates spinning off the parking department. Detroit Chief Operating Officer Gary Brown is advocating for the changes, which he says would bring in an additional $6 million per year.

"That's real money," Brown said. "If the asset is truly an asset and making money, no one is going to want to do anything with it."

According to Brown, 70 percent of the fines are to non-Detroit residents. He said the city also expects to offer a one-time amnesty program in conjunction with any increase.

The city currently pays $32 to issue and process a $30 parking violation, the newspaper reported. As part of the issue, Orr spokesman Bill Nowling said about half of Detroit's roughly 3,400 parking meters don't operate properly at any given time.

"It's another example of the old, antiquated system and processes the city has that creates impediments for anyone trying to do their job," Nowling said.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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