Newport City Council recommends parking penalty increases to enhance compliance

During the Newport City Council's regular meeting on April 9, 2025, significant discussions centered around proposed amendments to city ordinances regarding parking penalties and the resident sticker parking petition process. These changes aim to address ongoing parking challenges in the city and improve the efficiency of municipal operations.

One of the primary topics was the recommendation to increase minimum parking penalties, which have not been adjusted in approximately six years. Currently set at $40, the proposed increase would raise the minimum penalty for most parking violations to $60. Exceptions include violations related to public safety, such as blocking fire hydrants and fire lanes, which would see penalties raised to $100. Additionally, the minimum penalty for resident sticker parking violations would increase from $60 to $75. The council emphasized that these adjustments are intended to serve as a deterrent against parking violations, which have been a persistent issue in Newport.

The council also discussed the challenges of collecting unpaid parking fines, particularly from out-of-state visitors. Currently, about 25% of parking violations remain unpaid. The city utilizes a collection system called Passport, which helps manage meter payments and delinquent fines. However, there is no existing mechanism for enforcing penalties against out-of-state vehicles, a gap that the council acknowledged needs addressing.

In addition to parking penalties, the council reviewed amendments to the resident sticker parking petition process. An internal working group proposed changes to streamline the process, making it easier for residents to initiate petitions for designated parking areas. The amendments aim to clarify definitions of residency and standardize the requirements for petition signatures, which have previously caused confusion. The proposed changes would also enhance communication with residents regarding pending petitions.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of these amendments for improving parking management and enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors in Newport. The council plans to move forward with the proposed changes, which are expected to be finalized in upcoming sessions. These discussions reflect the city's ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of its community while addressing the challenges posed by increased congestion and parking demands.