Bridgeport Police Tow Hundreds Of Vehicles In Quality Of Life Enforcement Effort

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police towed more than 700 vehicles from city streets this summer as part of an enforcement effort by the department's newly formed Quality of Life Task Force.

Most of the vehicles were abandoned, unregistered, improperly registered or illegally parked, according to the Police Department. The vehicles towed also included large commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, that were illegally parked and impeded visibility for pedestrians and traffic.

In early August, Bridgeport revised an existing ordinance to increase fines for illegally parking commercial vehicles on city streets. Fines can reach $250 per violation, depending on the size of the vehicle. Towing charges are additional. The revision also clarifies which vehicles are covered by the ordinance.

The Quality of Life Task Force conducts enforcement at unannounced times and is supervised by Patrol Sgt. Paul Cari. The task force includes officers from the Patrol and Traffic divisions, with assistance from the city's Dispatch Center and Public Facilities Department.

"These vehicles create danger and they are unsightly," Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter said. "Vehicles have to be properly registered, as well. This effort makes our neighborhoods better places to live, work and play."

Residents with complaints requiring a task force response can call the Bridgeport Police Department's non-emergency number at 203-576-7671.