Think ignoring a parking ticket is no big deal?  Think again, if it's issued by Park Atlanta.  One driver claims an unpaid ticket dinged her credit report.

The city of Atlanta is passing unpaid parking tickets to a collection agency.  The city says it is needed to get people to pay up.  Nicole Will knows firsthand how much damage ignoring the fine can cause.

"My credit report right now. It's dropped roughly about 20 points from the parking ticket...from Experian, they are the ones reporting the ticket," said Will.

Will tells Channel 2 Action News about two months after receiving the parking ticket, she got notices from collection agencies.

"You wouldn't think an unpaid parking ticket would cause you to have strikes against your credit report," said Will.

Some drivers who frequently park downtown think the policy is too strict.  Emma Doss had no idea that could happen.

"I think it is a bit extreme going to somebody's credit for a parking ticket," said Doss.

Damien Lewis agreed.

"I think it is a little harsh.  I think they can come up with a better system," said Lewis.

Will says during the course of two weeks, the $25 unpaid fine doubled to $50. She eventually paid the ticket, but now worries how long it will affect her credit report.

"I don't know if it is going to show up if I get a mortgage on a house, whether it is going to show up as a delinquent account.  That could affect me in the long run," said Will.

Not all metro Atlanta counties forward unpaid parking tickets to collection agencies.  Cobb and DeKalb counties are among those who do not report unpaid fines.