Aspinwall updates fees for traffic violations that had been in place since 1990s

Some fines for traffic violations in Aspinwall will skyrocket about 500% since council’s approval of a new fee scale, one that members said was long overdue.

Running a red light in Aspinwall will cost $150, up from $25. Driving the wrong direction on a one-way road will also cost $150, up from $25.

“From our research, it appeared that the borough has not updated the fines for more than 30 years,” council President Tim McLaughlin said.

Traffic violators were paying the same fines they were in the 1990s, council members said.

“Fine adjustments to these infractions were long overdue,” McLaughlin said. “It’s important to make sure our residents and non-residents alike understand the severity of these violations.

“Hopefully the level of increase will be enough to garner someone’s attention and raise their awareness when driving on our streets.”

McLaughlin said council is going to great lengths to ensure Aspinwall remains a safe and fun walking community.

The ordinance, approved Aug. 11, brought the fines for traffic and parking violations in line with the PA Motor Vehicle Code.

Some of the other fees to increase include:

• Making an illegal U-Turn will go from $25 to $150.

• Disobeying the No Truck signs on certain streets will cost $500, up from $25.

• ADA parking violations will increase from $15 to $100.

• Expired parking meters will cost $10 for every two hours, not to exceed $50 per day. That’s up from $4 or $6.

Violating the parking schedule for street sweeping will still cost $10 — it was among the few fees to remain intact.

Councilwoman Marcia Cooper, head of the public safety committee, said that the new fines will address some of the most common complaints received.

“It is our hope that it will lead to a safer community for pedestrians, bikers and drivers alike,” she said.

Finance committee chairperson Heth Turnquist said the increased revenues are being eyed to modernize ticketing methods and help police use electronic ticketing and record keeping.

A complete list of the increased fines will be posted on the borough website.