There are 191,000 outstanding parking tickets in the city of Syracuse worth about $7 million, according to the city's Parking Violations Bureau. Some cases involve individuals perpetually scamming the system.
The Parking Violations Bureau uses an outside company that can boot a car that has three outstanding tickets, 90 days or older. The problem is when drivers with these violations go to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles and get a new license plate for that car. Councilor Nader Maroun said in some cases, one driver could have 5-10 different license plates.
“There were 40 people who fell into this category that we’re discussing and the aggregate total is $70,000,” Maroun said.
This issue comes at a time when the council is holding budget hearings and looking for money to balance the books. The DMV is going from a dial-up to digital system and the Parking Violations Bureau will have to upgrade their software in order to communicate with the DMV. Plus, this will bring an added benefit.
“This will enhance our ability to go after those people that are essentially trying to avoid paying their responsibilities,” Maroun said.
Maroun said he hopes the new software can be in place by next month and that the council can find more ways to collect on the outstanding tickets.
