Boston forgives tickets given during non-storm

[February 12, 2010]  BOSTON (AP) -- Boston officials said the owners of thousands of vehicles ticketed or towed during a snowstorm that never was won't have to pay a cent.

With forecasters predicting up to a foot of snow on Wednesday, the city declared a snow emergency, which requires main thoroughfares to be free of vehicles to allow plows to fully clear the streets.

The Boston Transportation Department said the city ticketed 3,353 vehicles at $45 a pop and towed another 229 at $90 each.

Then the snow came -- barely a dusting.

Mayor Tom Menino said the unpredictable nature of the storm and the fact that many families are already struggling prompted him to waive the fines.

Transportation Department Tom Tinlin said the decision was "in the best interests of the city."

[Associated Press]

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