"Warning Phase" for Parking Violations Over

The "warning phase" of an effort to stop parking violations in Clayton is over.

Beginning this month, police are issuing a "notice of violation" to offenders, which carries with it a $25 penalty that must be paid within five days or more penalties will be added.

"Our enhanced enforcement of parking regulations is intended to improve safety, reduce property damage and improve vehicle circulation in the Downtown area," said Town Manager Steve Biggs.

Officials are stressing three major points of emphasis--parking too far from a curb, parking too close to an intersection and parking in areas designated "no-parking." Those parking on the wrong side of the road or on a sidewalk will also be cited.

The Town Council recently adjusted the town's parking ordinance to give town laws "more teeth" in dealing with violators. Parking violations will no longer be considered criminal acts subject to fines. Instead, violations will be handled as a civil matter subject to penalties. The change means the town can go to civil court to collect unpaid penalties.

The change from criminal to civil also means the town can hold on to penalty funds. In previous years, parking fines went to the state.