Bethlehem Parking Authority Seeking More Info Before Ticket Hike

The Bethlehem Parking Authority wants more information from South Side merchants before pushing up parking ticket fines.

Few business owners attended the meeting with Parking Authority officials and the Downtown Bethlehem Association’s South Side Committee earlier this month, according to Lehigh Valley Live. Parking officials are setting up another meeting due to the low attendance.

“I’m not in a rush – I want to do this right,” authority Executive Director Kevin Livingston said. “If it’s pushed back to talk to everyone, that’s fine with me.”

The parking authority has suggested raising parking fines from $10 to $25. The Bethlehem City Council will make a final vote once the bill is proposed.

The Downtown Business Association backs the increase, but suggests a three-minute grace period on parking meters. Business owners also have suggested increasing enforcement of the meters’ three-hour limit so more money can’t be added after the three hours.

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez favors a $20 fine.