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MEDIA ADVISORY

June 20, 2008

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County Reminds Parking Violators Fees to Increase on July 1

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Government officials would like to remind residents that starting July 1, there will be an increase in all parking fines as mandated by Council Resolution 55-2008. These fines are established in accordance with Section 21.202 of the Howard County Code, which authorizes the County Council to adopt a schedule of fines for those who violate the county's parking laws.

As before, those who misuse parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities will receive the stiffest penalty. In an effort to discourage that misuse, those fines will increase from $150 to $350. Over the next month, county employees will affix new stickers to display the $350 fine on existing signs located in the parking lots of government buildings, schools, libraries and other public facilities. However, the new fine will not be imposed on violators until a new sticker is adhered to a sign. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of July.

The private sector is responsible for changing handicapped access signs on their properties. Stickers reflecting the increase are available to property owners, free of charge, at the Northern District Police Headquarters in Ellicott City and the Southern District Police Department in Scaggsville.

Stickers may also be obtained from, or for more information contact, the Department of Public Works, Traffic Engineering Division at 410-313-2430.