CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Congestion is one of the biggest issues for folks looking for parking in Uptown Charlotte.
"I have to work every day and it's a challenge to find parking,' said Michael Cortez, an employee who works in Uptown.
The challenge to find parking has some drivers parking in bike lanes or along sidewalks, but Charlotte leaders are implementing measures that will have violators digging even deeper in their pockets.
Charlotte City Council members approved a motion to increase parking fees, hiking up fines from $25 to $100.
"I think that's outrageous," said Cortez.
While say the increase is steep, and others say it's not enough.
"I'm not riding in the bike lanes you guys created, I'm riding in the street," said a guest speaker. "I think it should be a $500 fine for them to understand the importance of my safety,"
Charlotte’s new fine is higher than other similar-sized cities in the southeast.
City leaders said this is a step in the right direction towards getting trucks off the side of the roads, enhancing safety, and improving the quality of life.
"I'm glad we now have something that reflects the nature of the problem in the community," said Councilmember Malcolm Graham.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
Charlotte leaders say CMPD or code enforcement can issue tickets on all state-maintained roads, and they're encouraging residents to report illegal parking by calling, 911, 311, or by going to the CLT mobile app.
City leaders say they’re hoping to review this topic in the next quarter to examine progress and determine whether or not they should pivot.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.