[Press Release] : City will post notice before towing for unpaid parking tickets

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Toni Messina, Communications Director  - (573) 874-7660

City will post notice before towing for unpaid parking tickets

COLUMBIA, MO (January 31, 2007) -- Notice and opportunity for a hearing are basic parts of the American justice system. After Feb. 1, they will be incorporated into the city of Columbia’s process for towing vehicles with multiple unpaid parking tickets.

The City Council updated parking enforcement ordinances last October. New provisions require placing a notice on a vehicle at least 24 hours before towing and impoundment. This applies when:
* the vehicle is parked on a city street or public parking lot;
* there are four or more unpaid parking tickets; and
* the tickets remain unpaid more than 15 days after they’ve been issued.

The notice is designed to be seen. It’s a bright green sticker that measures 6-inch x 3-inch. Columbia police officers and Department of Public Works parking enforcement staff will start placing notices on vehicles after Feb. 1. 

The notice must state that the vehicle could be towed and impounded. It must include contact information for paying the ticket, for contesting it and for seeking a hearing in Municipal Court.

Persons who now have outstanding tickets are urged to pay all fines in Municipal Court. The ordinances may be viewed online at the city’s Web site.

* Section 14-306 - Contesting a parking ticket
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Columbia_Code_of_Ordinances/Chapter_14/306.htm 

* Section 14-307 - Impoundment of vehicles for unpaid parking tickets
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Columbia_Code_of_Ordinances/Chapter_14/307.htm 

* Section 14-308 - Hearing on eligibility for impoundment
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Columbia_Code_of_Ordinances/Chapter_14/308.htm 

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