City rakes in revenue from tickets

But the hefty sums being collected from motorists come amid a widespread perception that the system is tilted to maximize the haul.

“Mussolini would be proud of Chicago’s parking system,” declared David Gorodess, whose sedan was towed to the Wacker Drive pound last month from a spot on Lake Street, where he said he had parked every day without problem. “Certainly, cars are towed on time. …

“It seems they are just taking it to the next level,” said Gorodess, 35, a lawyer. “Even when you are parking legally, you just can’t park downtown. I am going to have to rent a space at a garage because I’m afraid to park anywhere.”

In his case, Gorodess said the nearest sign prohibited parking only from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., a period his car wasn’t there, he said.

“Somebody is making a lot of money,” he said.