Councilman speaks against parking tickets

Apologizes and says he'll pay them himself

Toledo gains national attention over residents ticketed for parking in their own driveway. It's a hot button issue on CNN and the Drudge Report. Monday, 13abc's Greg Bilazarian did a story on residents of Holland-Sylvania Road who were ticketed for parking in their own driveways. A city ordinance makes it illegal to park anywhere but on a paved surface.

Today City Councilman Michael Collins calls the reports embarrassing and promised to take action. "It's an embarrassing situation for the city of Toledo and frankly as an elected official. I have to apologize to the citizens of this city."

Councilman Michael Collins stood at the podium ashamed at the actions taken by the Commissioner of the Streets, Bridges and Harbors. Seven Toledoans were written tickets last week by Sue Frederick for parking in their own driveway. In Toledo it's illegal to park on gravel or anything unpaved, even if it's in front of your own home.

13abc went to Fredrick's office today to get some answers. We were told she was in a meeting. The fine must be paid in 30 business days of the date received or it will be forwarded to a collection agency. Collins promised the residents along Holland-Sylvania that he would do something about it. He'll request a hearing, and if that doesn't work&"bottom line is I'll pay the tickets for them."

Shelly Cousino applauds the councilman's efforts to help out. But she's embarrassed by the negative national attention Toledo's received

"It's sad. He should be ashamed. We've made CNN news on something so asinine. It's not the ticket it's the point."

In 2007, city council gave the Commissioner at Street, Bridges and Harbors the power to the write tickets for leaf and snow removal and street cleaning. Collins wants that law changed.

"In my opinion this is an abuse of authority supported by the mayor of our community with no foundation in facts and no concern for the community and its welfare."

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