LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Little Rock code enforcement officers are cracking down on violators of a ban on parking cars on lawns.
"I think it brings down the value of the property and I think everyone should keep their yards clean," said Wonda Miller, a neighbor fed up with yard-parked cars.
Miller can't stand the sight of it in her southwest Little Rock neighborhood.
Her neighbors used to park in the yard and now there's no grass.
"Our object is not necessarily to generate revenue for the city. It's to enforce compliance with the ordinance," said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola at a news conference Wednesday.
A change in the ordinance allows the city to immediately cite violators and fine them $50. Stodola feels after a resident pays the $50 fine once, they won't do it again.
Also, enforcement staff will change their patrol hours so they are out in the mornings and evenings, as well as on weekends. The ordinance won't apply to special events like Razorback games and the State Fair where some residents profit from parking.
"We want our neighborhoods to be kept clean, neat and we want neighbors to respect other neighbors," said Stodola.
As for Miller, she doesn't mind pointing them out and recommending a stiffer penalty.
"Charge them $100. Make them not do that whatever it takes," said Miller.
