East Hampton raises parking fines

Just in time for summer, East Hampton Village officials have raised the fines for parking.

Anyone who parks in a village beach lot without a permit will now get a $150 ticket, up $25 from last year.

They also run the risk of being towed, which has not changed.

For anyone who parks illegally anywhere else in the village, the parking fine has gone up from $60 to $80.

Police chief Gerard Larsen told the village board of trustees that the village's fines were too low compared with other places on the East End.

Both changes were approved Friday.

The board, as expected, also voted to ban outdoor smoking at its Main Beach pavilion and at the Herrick Park Playground. Anyone who smokes at those places faces a $250 fine.