Privileged Parking: Who owes money?

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - You would think, in these tough economic times, cities and towns would be watching every dime. However, a Target 12 Investigation revealed that's not the case in the city of Providence.

Target 12 undercover cameras captured unmarked vehicles registered to the city, parked illegally.

The police gave the vehicles parking tickets, but the Target 12 investigators learned many of the tickets went unpaid.

"We should not have privileged characters who can think that they can be treated otherwise. It's a basic question of fairness," said Municipal Court Judge Frank Caprio.

The investigation revealed disturbing habits. According to city records showing the vehicles with the most unpaid parking tickets, three of the top five are registered to the city of Providence. In fact, city-owned vehicles are responsible for more than $27,000 dollars in unpaid fines.

Sean Daly: "Hydrants, fire lanes, sidewalks, does that trouble you, as the traffic court judge here in Providence?"

Judge Caprio: "It does trouble me, of course it troubles me."

When asked what should happen to these people, Caprio said, "They should pay the fine, like everybody else."

Providence's director of administration conceded mistakes.

"Your bringing this to our attention has resulted in our changing our process," said Richard Kerbel, Providence's Director of Administration.

Monday night, we reveal how the city is cracking down on parking tickets now thanks to our TARGET 12 investigation.

Catch our investigation Monday on Eyewitness News at 10 on Fox Providence and on Eyewitness News at 11 on WPRI 12.