TL/DR –
In efforts to address a $222 million deficit, New Orleans officials are cracking down on a backlog of unpaid parking tickets, totaling about $100 million. The ordinance includes hiring 50 new parking enforcement officers and shifting parking enforcement duties from the Department of Public Works to the New Orleans Police Department. More strict parking rules are expected to be enforced during events such as Mardi Gras, while the city explores more targeted enforcement in specific areas.
New Orleans Steps Up Parking Enforcement to Mitigate Budget Deficit
New Orleans officials are combatting a projected multimillion-dollar budget deficit by tackling the backlog of unpaid parking tickets. The administration of Mayor Helena Moreno plans to recruit 50 new parking enforcement officers to address violations and control $100 million in unpaid fines, revealed Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso at a recent City Council Budget Committee meeting.
Already, local residents like Treme’s Jolie Gautreau are feeling the effects. Waking up to find her car booted and later towed, she faced $1,400 in tickets, largely due to school zone camera tickets. This follows the end of an amnesty program allowing motorists to pay overdue tickets without additional penalties.
Recovering From a $222 Million Deficit
Giarrusso anticipates these stricter parking enforcement measures will regain approximately $7 million. It’s part of the broader strategy to rectify the $222 million deficit left by the previous administration. Additional cost-saving tactics include staff reductions, an extended hiring freeze, and oversight of police overtime through a new comptroller role.
In response to criticism, Giarrusso clarified that the focus is on those with significant sums of unpaid parking tickets. A city spokesperson affirmed that unpaid parking tickets are the primary concern, not unpaid traffic camera fines.
Transition to New Orleans Police Department
Preparations are underway to transfer parking enforcement responsibilities from the Department of Public Works to the New Orleans Police Department by the end of February. The goal is to allow the overburdened department to concentrate on core tasks. The transition will also streamline resolution of parking issues impacting businesses and communities.
Increased Mardi Gras Parking Enforcement
Officials highlight that parking enforcement will be particularly stringent during Mardi Gras, especially along main parade routes. Councilmember Lesli Harris emphasized the need for appropriate parking enforcement personnel to ensure the city receives due revenues.
However, some officials are advocating for a more targeted approach, focusing on specific areas prone to violations. District C Councilmember Freddie King, for instance, proposed increased parking enforcement around St. Claude Avenue, a popular nightlife spot where illegal parking is commonplace.
Controversy Over School Zone Camera Tickets
Gautreau claims the city wrongfully penalized her for school zone camera violations. The city’s use of these tickets is currently disputed in a lawsuit against a 2024 law about school zone traffic enforcement. With a hearing scheduled for Feb. 6, the city is challenging the law, seeking to retain any revenues from the fines.
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