Birmingham mayor issues pardon for unpaid traffic fines 

 ========= Old Image Removed =========1Array
(
    [_wp_attached_file] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2022/03/StopNGo1200.jpg
        )

    [_wp_attachment_metadata] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:5:{s:5:"width";i:1200;s:6:"height";i:676;s:4:"file";s:23:"2022/03/StopNGo1200.jpg";s:5:"sizes";a:10:{s:6:"medium";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-336x189.jpg";s:5:"width";i:336;s:6:"height";i:189;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:5:"large";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-771x434.jpg";s:5:"width";i:771;s:6:"height";i:434;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:9:"thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-140x140.jpg";s:5:"width";i:140;s:6:"height";i:140;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:12:"medium_large";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-768x433.jpg";s:5:"width";i:768;s:6:"height";i:433;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:9:"wbhm-icon";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:21:"StopNGo1200-80x80.jpg";s:5:"width";i:80;s:6:"height";i:80;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:13:"wbhm-featured";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-800x450.jpg";s:5:"width";i:800;s:6:"height";i:450;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:20:"wbhm-featured-square";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-600x600.jpg";s:5:"width";i:600;s:6:"height";i:600;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:18:"wbhm-featured-home";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-552x311.jpg";s:5:"width";i:552;s:6:"height";i:311;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:22:"wbhm-featured-carousel";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-470x265.jpg";s:5:"width";i:470;s:6:"height";i:265;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:14:"post-thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:23:"StopNGo1200-125x125.jpg";s:5:"width";i:125;s:6:"height";i:125;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}}s:10:"image_meta";a:12:{s:8:"aperture";s:1:"0";s:6:"credit";s:0:"";s:6:"camera";s:0:"";s:7:"caption";s:0:"";s:17:"created_timestamp";s:1:"0";s:9:"copyright";s:0:"";s:12:"focal_length";s:1:"0";s:3:"iso";s:1:"0";s:13:"shutter_speed";s:1:"0";s:5:"title";s:0:"";s:11:"orientation";s:1:"0";s:8:"keywords";a:0:{}}}
        )

    [_media_credit] => Array
        (
            [0] => City of Birmingham
        )

    [_navis_media_credit_org] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [_navis_media_can_distribute] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [_wp_attachment_image_alt] => Array
        (
            [0] => StopNGo Logo
        )

)
1662688514 
1647965929
StopNGo Logo

City of Birmingham

On Tuesday, the City of Birmingham pardoned all negligent traffic fines and parking violation tickets that were issued prior to January 1, 2011. The new initiative, led by Mayor Randall Woodfin, is called “Stop and Go.” The phrase is an acronym for Suspend Traffic Obligations Permanently & Grant Opportunities

“Today, I’m using my executive authority to give those individuals a second chance,” Woodfin said.

Woodfin noted some people with unpaid fines may face financial hardships, homelessness, illiteracy or be incarcerated.

“Some of them are afraid to come to city hall, afraid to go to municipal court, afraid to do business, or even call the Birmingham Police Department if they need help because of warrants from not paying these fines. So I think it’s time we do something about that,”Woodfin said. 

The city dismissed around $35 million in outstanding fines and fees. Because the city doesn’t count the money until it’s collected, it’s not considered debt in the budget. According to the City of Birmingham, the Birmingham Municipal Court has records of unpaid traffic and parking tickets and fees dating back to 1958. The mayor’s pardon forgives over 750,000 outstanding violations and fines.

Last summer, the court allowed residents to clear their records through what was called the Rocket Docket. People could pay outstanding tickets and fees without further consequences. Individuals were also able to get new court dates or settle warrants for low level offenses. 

“Earnest efforts have been made to collect these monies. Over the last ten years, we have created and implemented a number of efficiencies and supportive measures to make sure backlogs and extended periods of collections do not continue,” Birmingham Municipal Court Presiding Judge Andra Sparks said in a statement.

“Stop and Go” does not include misdemeanors, felonies and serious driving offenses, such as DUIs. Additionally, the pardon doesn’t expunge city records and does not eliminate the requirement to comply with all legal requirements necessary for any request for expungement of conviction from an individual’s record.   

“It’s a new day and it’s an opportunity for you to go about your business,” said Woodfin. 

Individuals who had a parking violation or traffic ticket before Jan. 1, 2011, don’t need to take any action to receive the pardon. The pardon is in effect. 

 

Rick Davies, singer and co-founder of Supertramp, has died

The British musician co-founded the rock band Supertramp, which spurred hits like "Give A Little Bit" and "The Logical Song" in the 1970s.

Rupert Murdoch buys out 3 of his kids, cementing his conservative media empire

The owner of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and dozens of other media properties has settled a legal fight with three of his own children over who would control his companies after his death.

Estate of Jeffrey Epstein gives Congress ‘birthday book’ allegedly signed by Trump

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said the book included a tawdry drawing and note that appeared to include President Trump's signature. Trump had previously denied its existence.

DHS launches immigration crackdowns in Chicago, Boston

These announcements by DHS are just the latest escalation of federal action in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. — all led by Democrats.

New teen thriller ‘Sisters in the Wind’ finds drama in hidden identities

Angeline Boulley, author of the hit Firekeeper's Daughter, writes thrillers set in Native American communities in northern Michigan, like the ones where her family has lived for generations.

Christoph Von Dohnányi, longtime conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, has died

Known for his intellectual and illuminating touch on the podium, the refined conductor was also surprisingly outspoken when it came to politics and his peers.

More Front Page Coverage