Philadelphia Parking Authority Hits Prime Time TV

Parking Wars of Philadelphia

Big TV fans may have caught a few episodes of A&E’s new reality television series Parking Wars. This show follows the employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) on their day-to-day jobs in hopes of humanizing the workers. They're currently made out to be monsters - many of the area residents view the employees this way.

By showing the PPA process used to write tickets, the series sheds a light on the institution and highlights many times when the employees show compassion to some Philadelphians. But more importantly, the show brings awareness to the fact that drivers need to follow the rules in order to avoid consequences.
Here are some of what you should expect if you fail to comply with the parking laws throughout the city.

Tickets
This is the most common problem drivers face on Parking Wars. The PPA generally gives out tickets for a variety of offenses, including an expired meter, double parking and parking in front of a fire hydrant. Parking in a handicapped space is also a major offense and results in a $300 ticket for the offender. Other parking offenses that result in a ticket include taking up two spaces in a crowded parking lot and stealing a parking space that another person shoveled out. Fines vary, but there is a $23 increase for people who refuse to take their ticket and require the PPA to mail it to them.

Impound Lot
A large portion of the program takes place at the PPA’s impound lot. This is where the cars get towed when drivers commit more serious parking offenses. When a car is parked in a “Tow Zone,” it is susceptible to being towed away to the impound lot if a parking attendant happens across the vehicle. Cars that are towed away are typically interrupting the flow of traffic or creating a hazardous condition for other drivers. Car owners must present proper paperwork (license, registration and proof of insurance) to have their vehicles released from the lot. They must also pay all fines and penalties accumulated on the vehicle before the owners can drive their cars home home.

Boots
“The Boot” is reserved for cars that have at least three unpaid registered parking tickets. The PPA sends several notices to the owner before putting the car on “The Boot List.” Boot crews patrol different parts of the city looking for vehicles on the list. Once they put the boot on a car, it cannot be removed until the owner has paid the fines and penalties - along with a $100 boot fee.

While many Philadelphians hate the PPA, Parking Wars demonstrates that drivers need only follow the rules to avoid any tickets or penalties. The show also explains several regulations to viewers so they have a better understanding of how to avoid tickets and penalties. For new Philadelphia residents or long-time residents who don’t normally pay attention to the law, Parking Wars serves a public service by bringing awareness to increase the safety and flow of this major metropolitan city.

It doesn’t matter if you just drove your vehicle straight from the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer or if it’s an old clunker, the PPA employees don’t show favoritism. They do what is in their power to keep the traffic safe and flowing smoothly.