Since the reopening of the Sagebrush Cantina two weeks ago, parking spaces have been at a premium downtown.
To ensure that the village’s two-hour parking limit is observed, the Lake Orion Police Department is adopting more stringent enforcement of parking limits.
Along with greater enforcement, fines for parking beyond the two-hour limit are being increased, effective Thursday, December 14.
Beginning on Thursday, fines for parking beyond the limit will rise from $10 to $15, assuming they are paid within five days. Parking tickets paid after the five-day period will be considered late and increase to $30.
The area subject to the two-hour parking limit has also been expanded beyond its previous scope.
The new areas designated as within the two-hour limit include: Shadbolt St. from Anderson St. to M-24; Lapeer St. from Flint St. to Shadbolt (and on the east side to Jackson St).; and Anderson from Flint to Shadbolt (both sides).
As the result of a parking regulation ordinance amendment passed by the village council on Monday, all parking violations in the village will become civil infractions.
In addition, those who illegally park in handicapped spaces will have to pay $100, a $20 increase. After five days, the fine would rise to $200.
Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel said she doesn’t anticipate problems related to the increase in fines and greater enforcement.
‘Most people come in right away and pay their tickets,? she said. ‘The higher costs provide an added incentive for them to do that.?
Police Chief Jerry Narsh said there have been no increases in parking fines in the village since 1994.
‘We have been on the low end in Oakland County,? said Narsh.
‘These are fair parking fine schedules, based on those in other communities in the county.?