MEMPHIS, TN -- If you have a parking ticket in Memphis, pay it or you car may get the boot.
Memphis City Council approved an aggressive boot and tow program for people who don’t pay their parking tickets.
Starting July 1st, if you have more than three tickets, the city will boot your car. You will have three days to pay the parking ticket. If you don’t, your car will be towed.
People who owe more than $500 will have their cars immediately towed to the impound lot.
“Hopefully the boot and tow program will change peoples' behavior,” said City Court Clerk, Thomas Long.
Long has asked the city council for the program over the last four years, finally this year it was approved.
“That was too much revenue to be left out in nowhere land. We need to get the money to the city coffers,” said Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery. “Let’s face it, sometimes we are behind the times.”
Long said the city loses up to $2 million a year in unpaid parking tickets.
“We've got individuals who get a substantial number of tickets and don’t pay,” said Long.
Long said if you don't want the boot, put money in the parking meter so you don't get a ticket. If you get a ticket, pay it.
Long is also asking the council to increase the amount of money a ticket costs if it goes unpaid for a period of 90 days.
