ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Officials in Athens have temporarily suspended car booting in the downtown area as they examine due process issues related to the controversial practice.

Athens Downtown Development Authority board member Erica Cascio said the suspension does not mean parking tickets won't be written or fines won't accumulate.

The authority's parking department is responsible for enforcement in the area.

Parking Director Chuck Horton started a campaign of stricter enforcement of booting vehicles owned by those with large outstanding fines when he took over the role this winter.

Athens-Clarke County Attorney Bill Berryman wrote in a May 6 memo that the potential violation of due process arises out of the vehicle owners not being afforded "reasonable notice" or an opportunity to be heard before vehicles are booted.

The memo was obtained by the Athens Banner-Herald (http://bit.ly/13XKmq4).