Frequently Asked Parking Enforcement Pilot Contractor Program Questions
The goal of the City of Alexandria’s Parking Enforcement Program is to promote fair and safe parking practices, maximize parking availability, and prevent parking violations that disrupt traffic flow or inconvenience others.
This program is managed by the Alexandria Police Department’s Parking Enforcement Division and represents the City’s commitment to enforcement efforts and voluntary compliance with existing regulations.
Why do we need parking enforcement?
Parking enforcement helps reduce illegal parking, encourages the turnover of street parking spaces near local businesses, and improves street safety.
Where are the contractors enforcing parking regulations?
Parking regulations are being enforced in Old Town.
Who is the contractor?
The contracted vendor for the City of Alexandria is Reimagine Parking.
When did the parking enforcement contractors begin?
The City of Alexandria began a parking enforcement pilot program with a contractor to enforce parking regulations in December of 2023.
Who oversees the contractors while on duty?
As part of public safety, parking enforcement is handled by the Traffic Safety Division of the Alexandria Police Department (APD). Contractors are overseen by an on-site APD staff supervisor during the duty shift.
What precipitated the need for a parking enforcement contractor?
This parking enforcement pilot program, utilizing a contractor, allows the City of Alexandria to make the best use of police personnel and resources.
For the past five years, the city has experienced steady attrition in the roles of parking enforcement officers and is challenged to fill these positions. By contracting with an outside firm, the City is able to supplement City staff resources with parking enforcement personnel, allowing sworn officers of APD to continue focusing on public safety concerns.
Do the parking enforcement contractors have quotas?
No, parking contractors are compensated an hourly, fixed, wage, regardless of the number of tickets issued.
What kind of training do the contractors receive?
Contractors are trained through their employer, Reimagine Parking, and also receive field training by an Alexandria Parking Enforcement Officer. Through ongoing coordination with APD, contractors receive training updates as needed.
Are the parking contractors focused in stationary positions on the street?
Parking contractors are trained to circulate the area and are instructed to avoid remaining stationary in their patrol. The intention is to achieve a balance between enforcement, deterrence, and accommodating community concerns.
How are the parking enforcement contractors publicly identified?
Parking enforcement contractors are identified with a Reimagine Parking badge visible to the front of their attire. Each contractor on duty wears a reflective vest marked with “City of Alexandria Contractor” and is identified by an employee badge issued by Reimagine Parking.
What authority do parking contractors have?
Parking contractors are authorized to issue citations for parking regulation violations, such as sign violations, expired safety inspection stickers, and parking meter violations. and similar offenses. They do not handle issues of expired license plates, towing, vehicle relocation, or booting.
How much is the citation for the most common violation?
Most parking tickets incur a $40 fine.
How does the City of Alexandria utilize the funds generated by parking enforcement?
Funds from parking enforcement are allocated to the City’s general fund.
Although the City receives revenue from enforcement efforts, it is not its primary objective. An effective parking enforcement program protects and fairly apportions scarce parking spaces for all legitimate users by ensuring that those who violate parking regulations are accountable and are induced to voluntarily abide by regulations in the future.
How often does the City meet with the parking contractor to address concerns?
The city convenes a formal meeting with the contractor, Reimagine Parking, twice a month to review public concerns and resolve issues. The APD Sergeant in charge of the parking enforcement division is in constant contact with Reimagine Parking to address any issues, concerns, or operational needs on an ongoing basis. The contractor coordinator can address needs with the parking enforcement supervisory staff as necessary.
What if I have questions or concerns about a citation?
For questions or concerns about parking enforcement, you can speak to a parking supervisor by calling the APD non-emergency number, 703.746.4444.
How do I voice concerns about general parking enforcement issues?
Please call Alexandria 311 at any time to voice concerns, leave comments, or ask questions.
Why are contractors only working within the King Street corridor?
The Parking Enforcement Program is being piloted to understand its feasibility. While in this phase, the program utilizes a limited number of contractors focused in specific areas.
How do I contest a parking citation?
If you suspect you received a citation in error or wish to appeal your citation, follow the instructions on the back of the ticket. Appeals can be addressed by the City of Alexandria Adjudication Office or you can request a court date. Vehicle owners may also choose to submit a formal appeal to the General District Court. Hearings must be scheduled in advance and cannot be scheduled by physically appearing at General District Court. Please visit the Common Parking Violations webpage for more information.