New York City collects nearly a billion in fines last year

NEW YORK (AP) — New data shows that New York City made a record $993 million from fine payouts last year.

Total fines were up by nearly 4 percent, with officials handing out nearly 700,000 quality of life fines.

The New York Daily News reports (http://nydn.us/2paKRxp ) that quality of life violations, crimes such as littering and noise pollution, have spiked 51 percent since 2013. City Comptroller Scott Stringer says the increase in fines is meant to discourage harmful behavior, citing the citywide campaign Vision Zero to reduce traffic deaths.

Parking tickets accounted for 55 percent of all fines, bringing a total of $545 million in restitution to the city. In contrast, fines against restaurants and small businesses have decreased, in line with a campaign promise by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio to ease financial burdens on city businesses.