Published: 1/25/2023 5:05:04 PM
So far in January, two storms have proven costly for Concord residents who failed to heed the city’s parking bans.
At least 66 vehicles have been towed off the streets following two snow storms and overnight cleanup. The tally didn’t include any vehicles towed during the latest citywide parking ban Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Many renters live in apartments without parking accommodations for their vehicles. The city offers free parking at its three garages on State, Storrs and School streets and a surface lot at Village and Canal streets in Penacook. Together the garages provide 1,215 parking spaces.
During the first storm on Friday, 26 cars were towed, while another 36 vehicles were towed following Monday’s storm. An additional four vehicles were towed during the downtown cleanup.
The process to get the vehicle back is costly and time-consuming.
Because the Concord Police Department is responsible for ticketing and towing vehicles, car owners are required to go to the department with photo identification to obtain a vehicle release form that allows the towing company to release the vehicle. Residents will be required to pay the town company directly when picking up a vehicle.
Tow costs are about $185 and the city does not retain any of the fees.
In November, the Concord City Council approved ordinances that changed the cost of winter parking citations. Under the new system, tickets are $50, a cost that is waived if the vehicle is towed.
Prior to the change, tickets were $100, which doubled to $200 after 10 days and $400 after 20 days. Tickets were not waived if the vehicle was towed.
Last year, 302 citations were issued and 161 vehicles were towed. Of the 302 citations issued, 86% of fees were collected, earning the city about $30,000 in revenue. The fees are transferred to the city’s general fund.
Under the new guidelines, the city will generate less in ticketing fees but could see more cars towed during winter storm conditions.