Parking Enforcement 'Stirring Emotions' In Jenkintown

JENKINTOWN BOROUGH, PA —The Jenkintown Borough Police Department has explained recent parking enforcement activity after saying that "we are aware that we have stirred significant emotions and concern."

"We understand that change can impact people in different ways," the police department said. "We wanted to address the issues and bring clarity to what our goals are with parking enforcement."

Police said the borough received "a significant amount of complaints" regarding parking violations throughout the borough over the past two years.

"We were limited in the amount of time that our parking enforcement personnel were available to address the issues," police said. "The personnel were being utilized in various roles within the borough because of staffing and other important tasks that had to be fulfilled, especially school crossings."

Police said an opportunity arose to increase the availability and time dedicated to parking enforcement and two part-time enforcement officers were hired to fulfill the role.

In addition, several inconsistencies and missing information were identified within the borough code for parking violations.

"This process is ongoing, and we have communicated to Borough Council the need to update and publish a more comprehensive parking ordinance, police said.

A public meeting will be held to address parking within the borough, especially in the business district, police said.

Police said they are looking for input from the community to address concerns and develop a strategic plan that will be successful in managing limited parking.

In addition, automation is the future of payment for parking because the banking industry does not want to count coins anymore, police said.

Several area communities have already converted to only paying via online applications or other types of payment.

"We are also looking to improve our current kiosks for the municipal lots. With these updated machines and a conversion to a more automated payment system, we will be phasing out all of our coin-operated meters," police said. "We understand that this change can create some confusion and resistance. We are working to find the best solution to this issue."

The police department serves the community directed by the Borough Council to enforce borough ordinances and traffic laws that are designed for public safety.

The parking enforcement personnel are tasked with the specific responsibilities related to these ordinances and traffic laws.

"Our personnel are human and make mistakes. We are conducting our tasks with humility and discretion," police said.

"The goal is not specifically to just generate revenue," police said. "Parking restrictions and ordinances are for public safety, traffic flow, and for generating flow to our businesses during normal business hours."

The revenue generated is utilized for the maintenance of borough roads and municipal property.

Residents and business owners with concerns are encouraged to contact their respective council members or participate in public meetings to address the parking issues so that the community has a voice in future parking ordinances.

As we work through this process, please be advised that we will continue to enforce the restrictions that are in the ordinance and the traffic laws of the Commonwealth," police said.