Traffic Fashion: Nearly Dozen Vehicles in Portland Booted in Less Than Three Weeks

In less than three weeks, traffic enforcement officers in Portland have applied 21 boots to vehicles with $82,795 in fines, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

PBOT started using the boots on September 7. Of the 21 vehicles, 10 were released to their owner, nine were towed for lack of payment and two are still on the street - wearing their boots.

"Everyone needs to pay their parking tickets,” said Commissioner Steve Novick, who oversees PBOT. “I wanted PBOT to start booting largely because the towing and vehicle storage fees are an unnecessary penalty that is particularly burdensome for people with low incomes. In recent weeks, we've heard that people are going to court and settling up their outstanding tickets and that's great. Our parking enforcement program helps make sure everyone is following the rules of the road."

Vehicle owners who have questions about outstanding parking citations can call 503-988-3235, option 2 or see the court's web site on parking citations.

PBOT's parking enforcement operation is a crucial part of the city's management of public space, said Transportation Director Leah Treat.

"Parking spaces are an important part of the public space that PBOT manages for Portlanders," Treat said. "Our parking rules are essential to manage public space in the public interest. We issue citations to make sure everyone is following the rules. Enforcement helps our parking system provide Portlanders with the access to homes and businesses that we all enjoy every day."

Photos courtesy Portland Bureau of Transportation