A Mighty “Fine” Day: Additional Fines On The Rise For Some Long Island Commuters

Okay, admit it; how many of you, like many Long Islander’s I know simply pull up to 7-11 and hop out leaving your car running, or jump out at the bank, parking along the side of the building rather than in a designated parking spot. Yes, we are “spoiled”, especially since up until recently Long Island had plenty of space. But, now officials are beginning to crack down on, believe it or not, our parking habits.

Officials recently revealed that commuters who choose to park illegally in the town of Huntington’s Long Island Rail Road stations lots WILL be fined. And, the more they park, the more they will have to pay.

According to a recent measure put in effect by the town board calls for a progressive fine schedule to dissuade repeat offenders who repeatedly use the lots as a municipal parking area without having the required permit.

As per the new legislation, existing fines of $25 will to increased to $50 for second-time offenders and $75 for third time offenders and beyond. And, these new fees and fines go into effect immediately.

Officials note that the number of offenses is astounding. In fact, they reveal issuing over 3,500 parking tickets within a six-month span, noting that people simply thing its their right to park in these spaces without getting the required permit. This will free up space for commuters and force offenders to think twice.

Authorities specify that there are about 2,600 parking spaces at the Huntington train station lot, open to non-residents as long as they have the necessary permit. The permit can be obtained for a fee of $30 for both residents and non-residents. The only difference is that permits for residents are good for one year from the date of issuance whereas permits for non-residents expire each September regardless of when they were bought. And, the non-resident permits are not valid in town’s Cold Spring Harbor, Northport and Greenlawn parking lots.

However, at least one member of the board opposed the measure, noting that the town was looking to increase (parking) space for locals and commuters realizing that such available space is limited. With that in mind, he feels the (increased) fines are unfair. Instead the official suggested placing town officers at the stations each morning check for valid permits, noting the people would be “intimidated” and “get the message.

Still others say that their concern is not so much about the number of available parking spaces but about those parking illegally. And, they add this is not meant to punish commuters but rather encourage people to abide by local laws, do the right thing, and get a permit before taking advantage of what the area has to offer.