Scofflaws get break in Rockville Centre

Moving to collect some of an outstanding $1 million in parking fines, Rockville Centre officials will allow scofflaws to pay half of their total fines, starting Tuesday through Dec. 15, and will forgive the other half of what they owe.

Drivers will have the chance to pay for tickets incurred between 2005 and 2010. This is the second time the Village Court has had such a program, officials said.

“This program gives repeat offenders a second chance and at the same time helps the village,” said Rockville Centre Mayor Fran Murray.

Village Justice William Croutier Jr. said about 6,800 letters would be mailed this week informing scofflaws of the opportunity to cut their obligation in half. The fines may be paid in person or by mail.

Otherwise, drivers who have at least three unpaid tickets could face having their vehicles impounded and their registrations suspended, regardless of where they live.

Once a registration has been suspended and a vehicle impounded, the owner would have to pay the full amount in fines, penalties and a $250 towing charge before the suspension could be lifted and the vehicle returned.

For more information, contact the Village Court at 516-678-9289.