NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2001 New Rush Hour Fines Fully Enforced on March 26 The Department of Public Works reminds residents, visitors and commuters that the increased fine for parking in "no standing rush hour" zone will be fully enforced beginning Monday, March 26. The fines actually increased from $50 to $100 on Friday, March 9 with publication of The Notice of Final Rulemaking in the DC Register. However, enforcement of the higher penalty was postponed until Monday, March 26 in order to educate motorists about the new fine. "The numerous violations of the present ban are evidence that a $50 fine is not an adequate deterrent to illegal rush hour parking," said Leslie Hotaling, Acting Director of DPW. Along with a ticket, illegally parked vehicles may be subject to towing. Motorists may locate their towed cars by calling (202) 727- 5000. It is expected that the stiffer $100 penalty will improve traffic flow by reducing violations of the present rush hour parking ban. Additionally, less congestion along rush hour routes may ultimately lower the costs of business delivery in the District, and reduce drive-time air pollution caused by thousands of idling vehicles.