Unpaid parking ticket crackdown begins after city realizes some drivers owe more than $10,000

A major US city is going to start enforcing the hundreds of unpaid parking fines that some people owe, some of which total over $10,000.

According to a recent data request, there are currently over 230,000 parking fines in Knoxville, Tennessee, that have not been paid, totaling millions of dollars.

The newly elected Municipal Court Judge Tyler Caviness took action in response to the widespread issue; according to 10News, those 230,000 tickets belonged to around 99,000 distinct license plate holders.

In order to start the process, the city will issue warnings to about 100 of the most serious offenders, some of whom are estimated to owe more than $10,000. This is frequently done by collecting many fines every week or even every day.

The recipients of these warning letters, which were distributed in October, have 30 days to reply or risk being added to a tow list.

Three persons have been towed so far, and one of them paid for the remaining amount later that same week.

According to data 10News got from the municipal court, 23 people have paid $21,738 to the city thus far, but just two of the top 10 worst offenders answered.

After the court examined their financial circumstances, one of the two agreed to perform a substantial amount of community service in order to satisfy the remaining sum, while the other one began a payment plan.

Assuring people with substantial sums that the court will arrange a payment plan for those unable to pay the remaining amount in full, Judge Caviness has urged those with outstanding ticket balances to come forward in an attempt to find a solution.

In January, the city will send out another round of warning letters.

This occurs after homeowners in a large US city received a warning about phony letters that claimed stringent parking restrictions and enforcement actions were being implemented.

Letters purporting to be from city officials have been delivered to residents in at least one neighborhood, warning them that parking on their street will be prohibited from December through April.

In other places, drivers who are struggling have been incensed after receiving $40 parking citations while attempting to enter a food bank.

The city’s parking regulations were criticized by locals as “unreasonable” and said they would make charitable endeavors more difficult.

While picking up or dropping off food at The Sharing Place Food Centre in Orillia, Canada, volunteers and guests have complained about being hit with fines.

Restrictions on Dufferin Street, where the food bank is located, are said to be the cause of the $40 fees.

Although there is a parking lot, patrons complain that it is constantly full due to the great demand for food support.

As a result, they must park on the street, where they are vulnerable to enforcement.