NORWICH – Starting in May, motorists in the City of Norwich will have to pay higher fines for parking their vehicles illegally within city limits.

The city’s Common Council recently approved an increase in municipal fees and fines that city officials estimate will generate an additional $5,000 in revenue annually.

An initial fine for illegal parking is scheduled to increase from the current fee of $10 to $20. Illegal parking after 72 hours will jump from $20 to $30, and illegal parking after 10 days will increase from $30 to $40.

It’s a small increase that will leave a beneficial impact on city finances, said Norwich City Chamberlain John Zielinski.