City parking fines hiked

It will cost motorists who violate city parking laws an extra $5 soon under an action by the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday as it searches for new revenue to balance its $7.01 billion budget. Daily News.

The increases in fines are expected to raise an additional $6.6 million next fiscal year, once they take effect in late July. They are part of a package of revenue increases to cover a $406 million shortfall projected in the city's budget.

The council voted 10-0 to approve the increases, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has said he will sign them into law.

"I think everyone has to understand that this was part of an overall budget package we adopted to keep the city in balance," Councilwoman Wendy Greuel said.

The average parking fine will be increased to $35.

The city has 143 separate vio