City of Galveston launches social media campaign in response to 13 Investigates' report on 600% parking ticket increase

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- In response to 13 Investigates reporting on the 600% increase in parking tickets on the Seawall, the City of Galveston has launched a social media campaign aimed at informing visitors about the system.

According to a social media post titled "Know before you park," the campaign is run by the city's Marshall's Office.

Authorities explained that parking citations are no longer left on windshields but are instead mailed to the registered owner of the license plate. City officials said they made the switch for employee safety and to improve traffic flow.

In a previous report, 13 Investigates covered the more than 600% increase in tickets since Galveston started mailing parking violations in 2024. ABC13 obtained data from the municipal court showing that, in the 22 months before the switch, around 6,600 tickets were issued. In the 22 months after the switch, the city issued more than 40,000 tickets.

Last week, during Galveston's City Council workshop meeting, city leaders discussed ABC13's report.

"I don't know if anyone saw the Channel 13 story about the parking," Galveston Council Member Alex Porretto asked.

The city marshal said improvements were coming in the meeting, with officials discussing other changes, including adding more signs or having someone issue tickets on a Segway. Ultimately, they decided to start with the social media campaign.

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