CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Earlier this month, Charlotte City Council members approved a motion to increase parking fees, hiking up fines from $25 to $100.
Just before the vote, Sustain Charlotte's Meg Fencil appeared on WCNC's Flashpoint and argued why the $25 fine wasn't enough to change motorist behavior.
"It's not much of a disincentive to drivers,' Fencil said.
Sustain Charlotte started a petition, pressuring the council to enact the change. The revisions will increase the fines for cars that park on sidewalks, bike paths, streetcar right-of-ways, electric vehicle spaces (if driving a gas-powered car), and loading zones.
"Those people riding bikes and walking account for nearly a third of all traffic deaths, so they are the most vulnerable users of our streets," Fencil said.
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.
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 Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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