City Council approves holiday parking programs

  It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Revere residents with outstanding parking tickets. Last Monday night, the City Council approved the annual Toys for Tickets amnesty program for the 2021 holiday season. The program allows the waiver of up to $30 per parking ticket on a maximum of five tickets in exchange for a donation of a single, unused toy of similar or greater value that will be distributed to needy children through the school district. The program runs from Nov. 8 through the end of business on Dec. 10.

  “Building on the success from last year, this amnesty program comports with the spirit of the holidays and provides individuals who owe fees an incentive to pay their tickets,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo. “At the same time, the program bestows a holiday gift for needy children.”

  Parking Director Zachary Babo said the program has been successful over the past few years and continuing it would be a good opportunity to help people.

  The amnesty program does not cover any surcharges imposed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles if the parking director has notified the Registry of an unpaid fine, and a nonrenewal of license or registration has been recorded by the Registry.

  In keeping with the holiday spirit on Monday night, the council also approved free parking at meters in business districts in December. Arrigo requested that parking meters throughout the city’s business districts not be enforced on Saturday, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses this upcoming holiday season. “This is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to sample the variety of shops and restaurants available in our city, and at the same time benefit both the businesses and shoppers,” said Arrigo.

  Babo said this is another holiday program that has been successful in the past. “We spend a lot of time trying to promote the Broadway business district with the Central Ave. business permits as well as a cheaper metered rate to promote people to come and visit Broadway and shop a little bit, so I think it’s great,” said Babo.