Nassau extends parking ticket amnesty

Nassau County has extended an amnesty program covering some 355,000 parking tickets issued before 2010.

Motorists now have until Sept. 15 to pay the tickets without added penalties, officials said this week. The program began May 16 and was to end June 30, but officials are hoping to boost the response. So far, just 2,531 parking tickets have been closed, bringing in about $150,000, officials said.

"I am urging those with outstanding tickets to take advantage of this amnesty period before the County Boot and Tow Program begins on or about September 15th," County Executive Edward Mangano said in a statement.

"Once the amnesty program has concluded, the County will embark on an aggressive enforcement and collection effort."

The boot-and-tow program after the amnesty period will target motorists with three or more unpaid parking or red-light violations, officials said. They will be subject to the costs of immobilizing their cars, towing and possible storage fees, in addition to the penalties for late payments of tickets.

For more information email the county Traffic and Parking Violations Agency at TPVA.Amnesty@nassaucountyny.gov or by call 516-572-0954.