SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -
When you drive through the Highland neighborhood in Shreveport, you see lots of cars parked on lawns. City leaders say they've had lots of complaints from neighbors who fear the cars parked on lawns hurt their property values, so they've proposed a fine increase.
Right now, a first offense is only a $15 ticket. The new ordinance would make a first offense $100. A second ticket would cost you $300, and a third $525.
Property owner Roy Williams doesn't think the city should be able to fine him for parking on his own private property.
"That's even more unfair, you know. Why should you have to pay a fine for your own vehicle in your own yard," said Williams.
However, attorney John Settle says legally, the city can create and enforce those property standards, "The city does have a right to make minimum standards to enforce or protect the rights of other property owners and the rights of their property values."
Shreveport police say right now, many of the parking tickets go unpaid, and not much is done about it. Settle thinks if fines go up that may change.
"The economics are such that to prosecute somebody in Shreveport City Court for not paying a $10 ticket is just not feasible. If you increase the price of tickets, then the city would probably be more inclined to prosecute them in city court," said Settle.
The city council is expected to vote on the ordinance at their meeting on February 28th.
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