The Reading Parking Authority announced Friday that it is extending its current amnesty program through July 10, 2023. The program was designed to help people with an outstanding balance to pay in full and prevent their vehicle from being immobilized or towed.
RPA says there are currently over 23,000 vehicles that are at risk of booting, barnacling, and towing.
The previously-announced amnesty program includes two components to help people avoid the inconvenience of having their car immobilized or towed. One part— a new final warning notice—will be implemented beginning next week. The distinct lime-green decal will be placed on vehicles if there is a balance due for that license plate number. The sticker will show the total amount of outstanding fines and notify the person they have an additional 15 days to make payment or their car will be booted, barnacled, or towed per City ordinance.
“Towing is an absolute last resort,” RPA Executive Director Nathan Matz said when the amnesty initiative was first announced. “I think this program shows that…we don’t want to tow people’s cars.”
The second component of the program is a significant balance reduction for anyone who pays outstanding tickets during the amnesty period. Benefits include removing late fees and up to a 25% reduction in original fine amounts. People have been utilizing the balance reduction offer since the program launched several weeks ago.
Due to the volume of cars at risk of being immobilized or towed, it will not be possible for every car to receive a warning notice during the limited amnesty period.
Residents are encouraged to visit readingparking.com to check if they have outstanding tickets that may be eligible for the program.
