Saskatchewan

Regina's 5 worst parking scofflaws rack up $134K in tickets

The City of Regina says it's using all the powers at its disposal to collect fines from the city's worst parking violators.

One motorist owes $34K

Somebody who parked illegally across the street from Regina City Hall will have to pay a fine. Or maybe not. Parking fines are piling up for five people who now owe a combined $134,000. (Aldo Columpsi/CBC)

The City of Regina says it's using all the powers at its disposal to collect fines from the city's worst parking violators. 

Data from the city shows the top five violators are all private vehicles with an outstanding bill of more than $20,000 each in unpaid tickets.

The top five racked up $134,000, with the worst offender having a $34,000 tab. 

Top five violators owe:

  1. $34,000
  2. $27,000
  3. $26,000
  4. $24,000
  5. $23,000

City officials say municipal bylaws and provincial laws are being used to track down the money.

That can include placing a lien on a vehicle, sending a collection agency after the driver, getting a judge involved to force payment or even seizing and selling a vehicle. 

In 2013, the city doubled the number of parking attendants handing out tickets. It also bumped up the fine to $55 from $45, as well as doubling to the cost of the "early payment" option to $20. 

At the time, the city said it was trying to discourage long-term parking at downtown meters, and it expected to bring in $700,000 more each year. 

City officials won't comment on any of the details of the cases it's taking action against.