Virginia Beach, Va. - Parking in reserved residential spaces at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will now cost twice as much.
The Virginia Beach City Council approved changes to a parking ordinance in September that increased fines for parking in Oceanfront residential spaces from $35 to $70. If the fine is not paid on time, it rises to $140.
"The fine was not enough to discourage people from parking in the residential areas," said Virginia Beach City Councilman John Uhrin. "We're not imposing the fee on anyone. If you park illegally, you're going to get fined."
Uhrin and residents in the affected parking areas said beachgoers have been known park in residential parking spaces, knowing the fine would cheaper or equal to the fees at private parking lots.
"It can be a real pain in the butt down here," said Virginia Beach Oceanfront resident Kim Merritt. "Seventy bucks is a lot for a parking ticket."
