Lawmakers responded to a rise in illegal parking by setting up a parking task force to remind drivers that there are rules about parking.
Vehicles with expired registration plates will also be part of the new effort.
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Portland, Oregon, announced the hiring of 22 police officers for the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to crack down on illegally parked cars.
Vehicles with expired registration are also included in the orders of those responsible, after new data revealed an “alarming” increase in vehicles that park illegally or do not renew their registration.
In May, the city said authorities cited 2,400 vehicles for having expired registration and 670 cars for not having visible license plates.
Vehicles without valid tags will receive $145 tickets if they expire more than 91 days.
For 90 days or less, admission is $75.
According to the statement, police officers will look for vehicles with missing license plates, parked on the wrong side of the road and blocking intersections.
Parking too close to an intersection can decrease the likelihood of a pedestrian being seen crossing the street.
If a vehicle is parked facing the opposite direction of traffic, the vehicle will be forced into oncoming traffic to exit the space.
This increases the chances of a head-on collision or accidentally running over a pedestrian.
Blocking visibility at an intersection will result in an $85 fine, the same cost as losing signs.
If a vehicle is headed in the wrong direction, that means a $55 fine.
Commissioner Mingus Mapps said the increased enforcement is intended to inspire Portland drivers to drive and park safely.
“Every Portlander deserves safe, well-maintained roads,” Mapps said in a news release.
“When everyone follows the rules of the road and pays their fair share, we can keep our city running smoothly. Vehicle registration fees are a crucial part of funding our transportation system.”
It was also noted that Oregon has required valid registration in the state for over 100 years.
“Valid registration has been a requirement to drive legally in Oregon since 1905, ensuring our roads remain safe and reliable for everyone,” Mapps said.
What to do if a car is parked illegally in your neighborhood?
Here are best practices if drivers encounter an illegally parked car in their neighborhood:
- Assess the security risk: Before taking any action, assess the situation to determine the severity of the problem. Is the car obstructing the flow of traffic, blocking sidewalks or posing a safety risk?
- Check local regulations: Read local parking regulations, especially at an HOA or apartment complex. This will help you find available actions.
- Approach with compassion: If it is safe to do so, try speaking to the vehicle owner. They may not be aware that they are parked illegally or causing a nuisance.
- Take a photo: Take photos or video of the illegally parked car, especially if it is causing a significant disturbance.
Additionally, officers will start vehicles with orders from the Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Millicent Williams, PBOT director, said the tickets will be an important reminder for residents and visitors.
“Addressing expired tags and other parking violations is critically important as we seek to maintain order and ensure safety on the public right-of-way,” he said.
However, it won’t just be in downtown Portland that all 22 officers will work.
All of Portland will be subject to increased enforcement starting July 8th.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
