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BRIGHTON — The town of Brighton has passed a parking ordinance that will fine people parking on public roadways and tow vehicles parked on private roads, according to Unified Police Department.
As ski season swings in, the canyons are being filled with visitors who want to hit the slopes. But along with those snow-seekers come hundreds of cars piling up along the side of the road and parking in any space they can find.
Opening weekend of the Wasatch Mountain ski resorts highlighted the traffic issues that occur on busy days in the canyons. Unified Police Department released a statement Monday that said these parking issues create significant safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles driving in Brighton.
"The numerous parked cars on the public roadways in and around the town of Brighton block roads and private driveways, and hamper or prevent emergency vehicle access," the news release said. "As a result, the Brighton Town Council has passed an ordinance allowing a civil notice of violation to be issued to these vehicle owners."
There will be a $150 fine for any illegal parking on all public roadways in Brighton and violations will be processed by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District. Any vehicles parked on private roads will be towed at the vehicle owner's expense.
"We are not doing this for revenue. We are trying to encourage people to do the right thing. We make travel hard and potentially put lives in danger when vehicles are parked in the roadway," Brighton Mayor Dan Knopp said.
Unified police said it is partnering with Brighton and the Utah Department of Transportation to educate visitors to the canyons prior to enforcing the new ordinance. Since Dec. 7, Unified police have been issuing warning notices to those in violation of the ordinance but the warning and education period will end next week when enforcement action begins.
"The town is hopeful that the public will realize the dangerous parking issues and will cooperate by either parking safely or using public transportation. We don't want to issue large fines or tow cars, but safety is our top priority," Brighton council member Carolyn Keigley said.
