Police: Over 500 Warnings Written For Downtown Parking Violations

In the last two months, the Canton Police Department has doled out hundreds of warnings to motorists violating downtown parking restrictions.

Over 500 warning citations have been issued, the agency said in a press release. Starting next week, however, residents will receive no warnings if they violate parking stipulations.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, the agency 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.

The changes were initially slated to go into effect on Sept. 1, but Police Chief Robert Merchant said 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: Canton police volunteer Stan Oliver. Credit: Canton Police Department)