Park it, but be careful where
Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Police officers here are giving warning tickets for parking violations for at least the next few weeks, but after that, Bella Vistans beware - the real thing will be handed out.
The week of May 9, when a new city parking ordinance went into effect, officers gave out 50 warnings for illegal parking, according to Police Chief Jim Wozniak.
They also took photos of the violations.
For the most part, officers are responding to complaints about parking problems, Lt. Tim Cook said.
"Discretion and common sense will be the big issues here," Wozniak said.
These issues will be particularly important when people have parties and their guests have to park along the streets.
"As long as emergency vehicles can get through, we won't have a problem," Wozniak said.
If people block the road, officers will first ask them to move their vehicles.
If the owners don't move them, officers will issue citations. But, Wozniak said, local police have never had a problem when they ask people to move their cars.
It's going to take time for officers and residents to get used to the rules put in place by the ordinance, Wozniak said. Some of them are good, but the transition may be a little rocky, he added.
The warning ticket being given out by police lists the following violations • Oversized vehicles parked on the street between 6 p.m. and 6 a. m.;
• A vehicle within 10 feet of a mailbox or fire hydrant • A vehicle parked in a fire lane or loading zone or blocking a driveway • Vehicles parked on grass or decorative gravel • Vehicles for sale on the right of way; and • Vehicles parked on a city street between midnight and 6 a.m.
Officers can also check a category called "other," because the above violations are just some of those listed in the ordinance.
To view parking ordinance No. 2008-02 in its entirety, visit http: // bellavistacityar. com. Call city hall at 876-1255 with any questions about the regulations.
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