PARKING ENFORCEMENT EPD412.1

TITLE

PARKING ENFORCEMENT

/ PROCEDURE NUMBER

EPD412.1

SECTION

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

/ NUMBER OF PAGES

2

/ EFFECTIVE DATE
10/22/2014 / REVIEW DATE
 NEW  AMENDS  RESCINDS
DATE:
/ CALEA CHAPTERS

1, 61

/ AUTHORITY
Chief Stephen Walker

1

PARKING ENFORCEMENT EPD412.1

I. PURPOSE

This general order establishes policy and procedures regarding parking enforcement activities within Edmonston Town limits.

II. POLICY

This Department’s policy requires officers to take appropriate enforcement actions with respect to illegally parked vehicles.

III. PROCEDURES

A. Parking Violation Notice

Whenever an officer encounters an illegally parked vehicle in the Town of EdmonstonParking Violation Notice may be issued. The following procedure shall be followed:

1. Place the hard copy of the violation notice in a prominent location on the violator vehicle. Write owner/operator on notice prior to placing it on the windshield.It is not necessary to complete the owner information section prior to placement on the vehicle.

2. For Town violation notices, indicate the expiration month and year of the registration plate on the notice.

B.48-Hour Violations - When an officer discovers a vehicle parked in violation of the 48-hour parking violation they shall:

1. Place a warning sticker on the vehicle,

2. Mark vehicles tires with chalk or some other marking device,

3. Check for movement of the vehicle after 48 hours and place violation notice on vehicle.

C. Vehicles parked in alleyways - Officers shall not issue a parking violation notice for vehicles parked in alleys unless the vehicle is blocking the alley (warning notices authorized). For such violations the officer shall attempt to contact the operator/owner; if unable, a citation may be issued and the vehicle may be towed if an emergency condition exists.

D. Advice to Violators - Once issued the violator shall be instructed to prepay the fine and/or request appearance for trial. Citations cannot be voided once issued.

E. Written Warnings - An officer may issue a written warning in lieu of a Parking Violation Notice when, in his/her opinion, a warning will be as effective as a Parking Violation Notice.

F. Vehicle Impounds - Officers may tow a vehicle which is parked in violation of the law if it is creating a hazard or impeding the flow of traffic or has violated the 48-hour violation notice, or is in violation of a Town ordinance that allows for towing. When impounding a vehicle, officers shall follow the procedures in General Order EPD415.0- “Vehicle Impounds”.

G. State Citations -Parking Citations may also be written on the State of Maryland Uniform Complaint and Citation and E-Tix. Only State parking laws may be referenced when citing a vehicle with the State citation or on E-Tix.

IV. RESPONSIBILITY

A. All Officers shall:

1. Take appropriate enforcement action when encountering an illegallyparked vehicle in the Town.

2. Fill out parking violation notices and warnings leaving the violator’s copy under the windshield wiper.

3. Follow the guidelines set forth in General Order EPD415.0- “Vehicle Impounds” when towing a vehicle.

B. Supervisors shall:

1.Ensure that officers take appropriate action with respect to illegally parked vehicles.

2. Ensure that all parking violation notices and warnings are filled out in a proper manner.

3. Make periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the provisions of this General Order.

End of Document

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