Abandoned cars have been a problem in Chester neighborhoods for years, but now the city is taking steps to keep parking spaces clear for those meant to use them, write Madeleine Wright for CBS Philadelphia.
People like Widener University student Nick Aristone who has been living in Chester off campus for about a month. It’s hard for him to find parking.
“I think on the weekend it’s a little bit harder because people keep their car there all weekend. It’s not really doing anything.” he said.
The Chester Parking Authority is working to free up parking spaces for residents by issuing warnings to drivers that don’t have a permit.
In three of the city’s residential zones, you are now required to pay $30 a year for street parking.
“So we’ve scanned over 1,000 vehicles. As of yesterday, we’ve issued just about 200 warnings,” said Matt Mosley with Premium Parking, who is enforcing the street parking.
Enforcement officers are also tracking abandoned cars. Last year, Chester towed 97 abandoned vehicles and is on track to surpass that number this year.
Abandoned vehicles without permits will be tagged and if they sit too long, they get towed, said Justin Tibbels, Chester city spokesperson.
Read more about Chester’s neighborhood parking solutions at CBS Philadelphia.
