Blue Ridge police officers are enforcing the city’s new three-hour parking limit in what Chief Johnny Scearce describes as “part of the city’s effort to give everyone the opportunity to shop downtown.”
The limit is in force along East Main Street between Church Street and Mountain Street and along West Main Street between Mountain Street and Depot Street.
Assistant Police Chief R.A. Stuart said last week the limit is working. “They’re able to come downtown and find a place to park,” he said, noting open parking spots are usually available.
Blue Ridge City Council members voted in April to approve the limited parking in parts of the highly congested downtown area. A new ordinance that passed by a 3-2 vote called for signs to be installed and warnings to be written for 30 days before tickets were issued.
Scearce said officers wrote the warning tickets and also issued verbal warnings in effort to educate the public about the parking limit.
Now, officers are writing an average of five to seven parking citations a day, Scearce said.
“We are enforcing the three-hour limit to the best of our ability. We have no choice but to enforce the law,” Scearce said.
The police chief said the parking enforcement is only part of the department’s efforts to make sure downtown Blue Ridge is a safe area that offers an opportunity for everyone to enjoy its businesses and attractions.
He said officers still walk foot patrol in the downtown area, and these patrols are increased at night and on weekends.
Scearce said officers are enforcing all laws, “laws that are designed to keep people safe.” He reminds pedestrians to be careful and use crosswalks when crossing downtown streets.
He also urges employees of downtown businesses to go to city hall and pick up a permit that allows them to park in the parking areas that have been designated for them.
Fines for violating the three-hour parking limit are $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second violation, and $250 for the third and any subsequent violations.