Proposal to raise fine for leaving car running unattended fails, 13-2



MILWAUKEE -- A proposed ordinance that would have raised the fine for leaving your car running and unattended has failed on Tuesday morning, Feb. 6.

When temperatures are in the single digits, some Milwaukee residents start the engine to warm up their vehicles, leaving them unlocked and unattended with keys inside.

Terry Witkowski



Alderman Terry Witkowski, says that is providing an opportunity for thieves, who use the vehicles to commit more crimes.

"In District 2 and District 6, more than half the cars that were stolen were stolen from people who left their car running," said Witkowski.

Idling, unattended, and unlocked vehicles have long been against the law in Milwaukee in streets, alleys and driveways. But the proposal before the Milwaukee Common Council would increase the minimum fine for doing so, from $22 to $75 -- and includes private property.



Alderman Witkowski, who sponsored the proposal, said it was less about enforcement and more about getting people's attention.

"And also to spread the public knowledge that cars are being stolen," said Witkowski.

"You want to inform the public let's just do a media advisory," said Alderman Russell Stamper.



Several aldermen said the increase was not needed.

"I think at some people people have to have the right to take risks on their own private property," Alderman Nik Kovac said.



"You're going to charge me $75 for my car getting stolen? This is not the solution," said Stamper.

Russell Stamper



"I think is is absolutely overkill in potentially penalizing victims of a crime and certainly it could be taken further," said Alderman Jim Bohl.

The council defeated the proposal on a 13 to 2 vote.