\
A NEW ban on overnight parking has seen drivers facing $100 fines, doubling to $200 after 20 days.
Officials say the measure is designed to keep the roads clear as severe weather rolls in during the winter months.
2
Winter is certainly on the way, with temperatures in some parts of the country already dropping as low as 16F overnight.
The South East has seen the worst of the weather in recent months, with the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton still being worked through.
But the North East is used to its fair share of biting cold and icy spells in the winter months.
With that in mind, the town of Bethlehem in upstate New York has taken measures to keep drivers safe in treacherous conditions.
Each year, the town introduces an ordinance banning motorists from parking overnight on any of its roads at certain times of the year.
Residents will not be allowed to leave their vehicles anywhere in its 49 square-mile boundaries between 1am and 7am from November 1.
The rules remain in force “regardless of the weather” and non-compliance is punishable by a ticket and $100 fine.
Once a ticket is handed out the affected driver has just 20 days to mail in a payment or appear in court.
Failure to do so results in the penalty being doubled to $200.
Notices will be placed on lamp posts along every road in the town and will be regularly published in the local e-newsletter and on the town’s website.
The local parking company’s website also warns that cars could be towed if they accumulate unpaid tickets over the course of 7 days.
Outside of the regulated hours, on-street parking will be permitted.
The town is divided into two zones, with one costing $2.50 per hour and the other $1.50.
If you stopped in Bethlehem and believe you were wrongly ticketed, you can appeal online.
Appeals will not be accepted over the phone, in person or via e-mail.
But, fortunately for drivers, the ban is not permanent as it is designed as a seasonal protection.
The restrictions will be lifted again on April 15, and won’t return again until this time next year.
2
