UPDATE: Canton Police Delay Downtown Parking Enforcement -- Again

UPDATE at 7:27 p.m.: The Canton Police Department said on Tuesday it will once again delay enforcing downtown parking restrictions.

Pacer Cordry, spokesperson for the agency, said the ongoing construction along Church Street — part of the city’s downtown streetscapes project — has forced the department to delay issuing citations.

“City and department leadership understand this construction project has significantly reduced the number of available two-hour sparking spaces,” he added. “Chief (Robert) Merchant has directed the Parking Enforcement Unit to continue to issue warning tickets to those vehicles failing to abide by the parking regulations. It is anticipated that the construction project will be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting.”

ORIGINAL STORY

Drivers and other motorists who utilize parking areas in downtown Canton will soon face fines if they are caught violating posted regulations.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Canton Police Department will begin issuing tickets to those found in violation of parking restrictions. Over the past couple of months, Canton police have used informational signs, social media platforms and local media outlets to publicize the change to residents.

In the last two months, the agency has written over 500 warning tickets to motorists, Police Chief Robert Merchant said last week.

The changes were initially slated to go into effect on Sept. 1, but Merchant added his department extended the warning period to Oct. 1 at the request of the Canton City Council.

For the first offense of overtime parking violation, the fine is $10. The second offense would cost $15 and the third offense jumps to $30.

Other fines include:

• Anti-shuffling: $20
• Left wheels to curb: $20
• Parking where prohibited: $20
• Parking on sidewalk: $20
• Double parking or parking in a traffic lane: $20
• Parking outside a designated parking space: $20
• Parking in a crosswalk: $20
• Parking in a fire lane or in front of a fire hydrant: $50
• Obstructing or blocking a private driveway: $20
• Handicap violation: $205
• A boot fee (authorized with four unpaid parking tickets on a vehicle): $75

(Photo credit: Canton Police Department)