Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would allow the Pittsburgh Parking Authority to establish a 'ticket by mail' program to supplement their enforcement activities. The legislation would provide: 
 

• Authorization to issue tickets by first class mail as an alternative option besides placing them on a windshield; 
• The power to issue tickets for obstructed license plates; 
• A mandated seven business day ticketing window so that if a ticket isn’t places in the mail within that timeframe, it must be canceled; 
• Faster access to PennDOT information related to each ticket; and 
• The ability to use unattended license plate reading cameras to observe and document parking citations and administer parking laws. 

 

Currently the Pittsburgh Parking Authority issues all citations by placing them on the windshield of the offending car. This legislation would grant the ability to place a ticket in the mail by the close of the next business day after the infraction occurs, provided that the parking authority is authorized to electronically access vehicle registration information.  

 

There are many reasons why a ‘ticket by mail’ program would be a more logical option for Pittsburgh. Tickets served on a windshield often blow away in high wind, or while a motorist is driving as well as can be damaged by the weather. Sometimes people simply remove tickets from vehicles as a prank, or a motorist who receives a ticket will place it on the car next to them hoping the unwitting recipient will simply pay the ticket without giving much attention to the details. Additionally, officer safety is a concern for the Authority since parking enforcement officers are regularly physically confronted when issuing a ticket. Finally, issuing tickets by mail would provide tremendous efficiencies for the Authority. If an officer does not need to stop at a vehicle, print a ticket, or place the ticket on the car, they can cover more ground in a day, thus ensuring greater compliance. 

 

Thank you for your considering co-sponsoring this legislation.