Goodness, street cleaning

[vibrantabyss.livejournal.com]

Just had a nice chat with the street sweep - he was parked in front of my house hoping that at least *some* of the people would get out and move their cars.  He gave up at 8:20, with nine cars still parked on the wrong side.

The interesting bits were: (1) they are going to start towing regularly next year (2) for times when they don't, fines will increase to $80.

Edit: According to tom_champion this is an unfounded rumor.  (see his comments below)  Thank you Tom for checking into this!

Comments

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

As far as I know, parking fines can't be more than $50, except for bus stops, handicapped spaces, and fire hydrants.

At least, that's what it says in MGL 90 20A 1/2 (http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section20A1~2). (Don't be confused where it says Boston and Cambridge -- it also says any other town that adopts that section.)

But there's a chance Somerville had a special law passed at some point. Maybe that's why snow emergency tickets are $100.

Towing fees can be more than $50, but I suspect they're more than $80 already.

If I were in charge, they would tow for street cleaning...but they'd put your car right back on the street afterward. And the ticket would be about $50. That would take less time for the tow truck than driving your car to the tow lot and driving back to tow the next car, so it's more efficient all around.

[miss-chance.livejournal.com]

If I were in charge, they would tow for street cleaning...but they'd put your car right back on the street afterward.

I love that idea! I wonder how you'd compel people to pay the tow company in a timely fashion, though? If people left it until their next registration, I suspect a tow company couldn't wait that long. Maybe (when you're in charge) they tow the car, put it back and put a boot on it?
Anyway, none of this is likely, alas.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

You'd have to pay the ticket, which could pay the cost of the towing.