New year, new parking law

Abbey Seitz, Chair of the Safe Routes to School advisory committee said, “It’s drastically reduced the number of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians in many places — by as much as 30 percent.”

The bill states, “The legislature finds that illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections creates dangerous conditions for pedestrians, particularly children walking to school.

Drivers who violate the law face a $50 fine.

This may feel like an inconvenience for drivers, but supporters say the goal is simple: safer streets for everyone.

The fines collected will be directed directly into the Safe Routes to School Program, which funds pedestrian and bicycle improvements near campuses.