The cost of illegal parking in Olathe skyrocketed

In an attempt to cut down on the number of semi-trailer trucks parking illegally along Olathe roads and highway ramps, city leaders are dramatically increasing the fines levied on the drivers.

City council members voted on Tuesday to boost the cost of a citation from the current $30 per violation to $500. Deputy City Attorney Chris Grunewald said the new fines are scheduled to go into effect Aug. 29.

“We want to have a high fine,” Grunewald told the council, who were initially surprised by the large jump. “We believe it was the council’s intent to send a message, and this sends a message (to drivers) that this is important, don’t make this the cost of doing business.”

Grunewald said the $30 fine was not working as a deterrent, noting that the Olathe Police Department issued 70 citations to trucks parking along roads and highway ramps between April and June of this year alone. “Our concern is safety,” said Police Chief Steven Menke. “We don’t want these large vehicles parked adjacent to high-speed off-ramps and roadways. It’s a recipe for disaster.”