Parking Ticket Amnesty Program Created

Drivers with unpaid parking tickets from the city of Kent have 30 days to pay those tickets and avoid the late fees.

Kent City Council voted Wednesday to approve an amnesty program offered by Kent Police Chief Michelle Lee to people who have not paid their parking tickets and as a result owe late fees.

Motorists with unpaid tickets and late fees will be sent a letter giving them 30 days from receipt of the letter to pay their tickets with the late fees waived.

Kent City Manager Dave Ruller said the city has a total of $90,000 in unpaid parking ticket fines. When the late fees are factored in that number rises to about $240,000.

Lee said the department has unpaid tickets that date back for years.

"It's really just a safe surrender," she said.

Drivers who receive an amnesty letter must return the letter with the $15 parking fine.

The police department recently updated its program so drivers can pay tickets online with a credit card.