COLUMBIA, MO (February 16, 2011) -

Minimum city parking meter fines will increase, effective March 1, as shown below. Columbia City Council members authorized the increase Feb. 7.

• The minimum fine increases from $5 to $10 if it’s paid within 15 days of the parking violation.
• After 15 days, the minimum fine increases from $15 to $25.

To reduce the risk of getting a ticket for over-use of on-street parking meters, the public is encouraged to use the hourly spaces that are available in city garages. Hourly spaces in the garages allow parking for an extended time period. This will also help free up metered spaces for customers who only need to make quick stops at downtown businesses.

City staff have estimated that the new fine structure could produce an additional $100,000 this fiscal year, unless people change their behaviors about over-use of parking meters. City Manager Bill Watkins said that new revenues would be deposited in the general fund.