Alternate side parking fine may increase if snowing - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - Alternate side parking begins Nov. 1 and as the winter months near, the city is considering an increased fine for parking on the wrong side of the street when it snows.

Instead of the standard $10 fine for parking on the wrong side of the street, a new plan could potentially increase the fine to $30 if there's snow on the ground.

It may seem like a steep price to pay just for parking a car on the wrong side of the street, but officials say it prevents roads from being plowed.

"If the snow plows are unable to move the snow, snow just kinda ends up building out on our streets, and so some of our streets become narrow and then it can be tough for snow emergency, you know, to get in there and move them," said Lt. Patrick Hogan of the La Crosse Police Department. "It could be tough for emergency vehicles to get in and out of places if the streets are too narrow."

This increased fine is just a proposal. The parking utility subcommittee will review it with city staff, then maybe move it forward.

Hogan said it takes only one or two cars during snowfall to affect an entire block.

Alternate side parking ends April 1.