Phila. plans a Center City parking crackdown

As cars trucks and buses rumbled around City Hall yesterday, officials announced an aggressive ticketing and towing campaign against motorists who double park, sneak a stay in a loading zone, or block intersections downtown.

Those habits, they said, congest traffic and jeopardize other motorists - and, starting Monday in Center City, more and more violators will be cited.

Random interviews with drivers yielded grousing about both the plan and clogged driving conditions.

"I think they already ticket too much," said Wayne Terry, 29, of Southwest Philadelphia, who works at Family Court in Center City and pays to park in a garage "to avoid the hassle."

He jumped out of his van in a drop-off zone in the 1200 block of Market Street to pick up some bags from his mother. "Horrible," he said of Center City parking.

Last week, he said, he parked at a meter to run inside an office. He scrambled to find quarters and even then dashed as fast as he could because $1 bought him only a half-hour.

Fearing a $36 ticket for an expired meter, Terry said, he made sure he beat the clock. Yesterday, he again took care of business quickly and declared: "I'm on my way."

That's how city officials want it. In January, they doubled the cost of meters from $1 an hour to $2, and increased fines for expired meters.

More fancy meters that take dollars and credit cards are on the way, Rina Cutler, deputy mayor of transportation, said yesterday as she stood with police and officials from the Parking Authority at Dilworth Plaza to announce the stricter traffic measures.

On Chestnut and Walnut Streets, where traffic often slows for delivery trucks double-parked, loading zones will increase, sometimes doubling in size if needed, authorities said. Those who park there illegally should expect a quick ticket or tow, they said.

The overall plan, they said, is to decrease traffic congestion and free curb space downtown for those running errands, shopping, or dining. Those who live in the area or need parking for the day should use garages or mass transit, Cutler said. Since January, the vacancy rate for meters has increased dramatically, Cutler said, adding that fewer motorists circling the streets looking for parking improves traffic flow.

Jamie Bennett, 33, of Northeast Philadelphia, said she avoids Center City when she can but often picks up her husband, Frank, a lawyer who attends hearings downtown.

"It's crazy. It's very hectic down here," she said, sitting in a no-parking zone outside City Hall with safety lights flashing on her Dodge Durango. Her 2-year-old and 9-month-old waited patiently as her husband rushed inside City Hall with their 3-year-old daughter to use a bathroom.

Stephen Johnson, a deputy police commissioner, said it is a matter of changing habits and attitudes.

"A lot of this is education" - and common sense, Johnson added.

Enforcement will be increased during morning and evening rush times. Police will use officers on foot, bicycles and motorcycles, officials said.

At a few intersections where stricter enforcement has already started, Johnson said, "We're getting a lot of good compliments, good feedback."