Center City Parking Crackdown Begins

Philadelphia is trying to ease congestion in Center City, by cracking down on drivers who block the box, or park illegally.

Beginning Monday, there will be more police officers on bikes and motorcycles writing tickets.

"Most people if they see a police officer in the intersection think twice about whether they want to block that intersection," said Rina Cutler, Deputy Mayor of Transportation. 

They're also going after people who double park, stay in a loading zone too long, or are at an expired meter. Officials say, since the meter rate doubled from a dollar to two dollars an hour, there are more spaces available.

"We now have on a daily average a 23 percent vacancy rate with the meters in the corps of Center City. People can now find a parking place for short-term parking," said Vince Fenerty, Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

But many Philadelphians don't buy it. They're frustrated. They still can't find a parking space. And they're fed-up with aggressive ticketing.

"Last night it took me 55 minutes to find a spot. I hate, hate the parking in this town," said Ryan Vizov who was visiting relatives in Center City.

Arden Kass, who lives in Center City, said, “I really think they've become overzealous about the ticketing. If you walk up to your car and someone's writing a ticket and you say I'm here. I'm here. They should stop instead of being difficult and aggressive."

The Parking Authority plans to make more loading zones on narrow streets like Chestnut and Walnut so delivery vehicles can get in, while that should ease congestion, it won't make finding a spot a meter any easier.

"A quarter, 25 cents for 7-and-a-half minutes is highway robbery," said Seth Freelander, who says he has to carry around a roll of quarters if he wants to go out to eat.

The city plans to add more fancy parking meters that accept credit cards, but that won't change the price.

Getting a ticket can be rather expensive. An expired meter is $36. The fine for a no-stopping zone is $76. If you block the box, that's $120.

Police said what they really want to do is change habits and attitudes.