Apartment dwellers in the downtown Fishers area will soon face a $20 fine for parking their vehicles overnight in certain areas of downtown.  The Board of Public Works and Safety approved the amendment to the parking schedule at their Monday meeting.

Apartment residents have parking set aside in adjacent garages, but many find it more convenient to park in nearby surface areas.

There was a great deal of discussion about whether this rule could encourage some people to drive under the influence rather than risk a $20 fine for parking overnight.  Fishers Police Chief Mitch Thompson told board members he believes there are ways to handle that situation by working with the establishments in the area serving alcoholic beverages, and that special event committees could deal with parking issues for big events.

City officials say it will take at least 30 days to make and place the signs warning of the fines if a vehicle is parked between 3am and 6am in the Nickel Plate District areas designated.  Also, those living in downtown apartments will be notified of the change in parking regulations before police begin enforcing the new rules.