Wednesday, May 22, 2013
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Downtown Anchorage Parking Citations Up 300 Percent With New EnforcementEasyPark writes 150 more parking tickets than Anchorage police didANCHORAGE—There’s a new meter maid in town. Seven days ago, the EasyPark enforcement system took control of more than 1,400 parking spaces in downtown Anchorage. "They're really focusing on safety-type violations in the first week and some expired meters,” said Rick Onstott, parking director at EasyPark. "The police department did their best to enforce on-street parking but their priorities were with more serious types of violations and public safety." Not everybody is happy with the change, though. Drivers say the meters don’t keep the right time and they’re paying for the technical errors in miniature orange envelopes "I think I may have lost money, except I have no way of accounting for it,” said Saye Gatei, a local driver. Citations are up by 300 percent. Each citation is about $20 with a $15 late fee. Anchorage police, previously charged with issuing downtown parking citations, wrote an average of 50 per day. EasyPark writes 200. "It's very normal in enforcing on-street parking in any city to have some folks disgruntled, some upset, some to interface with our parking enforcement officers in a less than pleasant manner,” Onstott said. So are drivers getting their money’s worth? A non-scientific survey of dozens of downtown meters revealed they probably are. CBS 11 found only one broken meter, and every meter tested timed out to the minute. "We're not getting a litany of complaints,” Onstott said. “That tells us our (parking enforcement officers) PEOs are doing a reasonable and consistent job." |
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mickey said on Thursday, Aug 30 at 11:58 AM
Put change in the meter 3 times to keep current. Got back too late the 4TH time, $20.00 fine plus what we already fed the meter and the city wonders why we voice a concern? How much of a cut does this outfit get for this "service"? Remember photo radar??This is the"THANK YOU" we get for bringing our shopping dollars downtown. COME AGAIN SOON!!
100518706fluffy said on Tuesday, Sep 6 at 7:01 PM
Just don't shop downtown...
73469783jjj said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 12:33 PM
Welcome to the new AMERIKA!!! Now get in line for your handout SLAVE!!!!!
72912802jjj said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 12:30 PM
NEXT COMES THE AUTOMATIC LICENSE CAMERA READERS. The Police will drive around Alaksa and a computer will look up every plate and driver in seconds. Doesn't sound like freedom to me. Do you people want a system like this spying on everybody? It will be mis-used on the general public, this means you!
72912663yeehaw1 said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 1:57 PM
I know for a fact the meters are not accurate thats why I try to avoid using them if possible.
72862919durvsworld said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 12:09 PM
It is ridiculous to think that the average parker has a crapload of quarters in their wallet....how bout using some of that revenue to update the meters??? to accept debit carda, etc???? or provide change dispensers in a convenient location??? These parking pitbulls are all you got"
72857488mcgillagorilla said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 8:51 AM
do like i do shop at the malls and to hell with downtown. if enough people do it you will see change.
72846082shawn klemmer jr. said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 11:09 PM
Pay the parking meter. Don't,get a ticket!! What's so hard about that???
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