City council unanimously agrees to double fines for fighting in Vancouver
You’ll have to pay up if you decide to throw down.
On Tuesday afternoon, Vancouver city council unanimously passed a motion introduced by Councillor Melissa De Genova aimed at combatting fighting in streets and public spaces.
#VanCityCouncil approves agenda items Unfinished Item 1, Communications 1, Reports 3, 6 and 7 on consent.
— Vancouver City Clerk (@VanCityClerk) December 10, 2019
Fighting fines are now doubled and have been increased from $500 to $1,000, which is the maximum finable amount.
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The suggestion to double fines was made after close consultation with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and endorsement by the Granville Entertainment District Safety and Working Group.
Fighting Fines DOUBLE, to $1000. Unpaid fines go 2 collections. $500 if paid in 30 days. Unanimous support by #Vancouver City Council! Appreciate staff recommendations & support expressed by @VancouverPD 2 deter violence & promote safer nightlife,in response 2 my motion #Vanpoli pic.twitter.com/Z2grnx5lrj
— Melissa De Genova (@MelissaDeGenova) December 11, 2019
Fines will be decreased, however, by 50% if it is paid within 30 days.
Another new feature is that any unpaid fines after 30 days will be sent to one of two collection agencies. The “procedural change” was implemented in August and is meant to improve the collection rate for fines imposed for fighting.
“If the ticket remains unpaid after 30 days, the outstanding debt is reported to the credit rating bureaus and may negatively impact the individual’s credit rating,” reads a recommendation from city staff.
