Bismarck parking citation payments double since system change

Technology changes just about everything. Bismarck Parking Enforcement shifted from marking car tires with chalk to a license plate identification system in 2011.

During that time, the number of parking citations has doubled.

Bismarck Municipal Court says prior to the change, it collected more than $92,000 in parking citations. Last year, it was more than $180,000.

Money from all those citations is spread out to many different programs.

Technology is making it easier to keep track of where cars have parked too long.

"They remember the chalk days and think that if they move their vehicle and come back to the same area it's going to make a difference," said Kevin Keller, parking enforcement.

Cars used to be marked with chalk, which could easily wash off with snow. The digital change allows them to track cars easily.

"People have to be more cognizant of actually following the rules instead of finding the loopholes," said Beriah Smith, Bismarck.

Many people park in 90 minute parking in the downtown area, but if you don't set a timer you could be cited.

"Some vehicles obviously park too long, others park in areas where there's no re-parking," said Keller.

All citation money goes back into the city’s general fund.

The Bismarck Police Department says it issued more than 7,000 parking citations in 2011. Last year, it was more than 10,000.