Enforcing Parking At Home And Work
Parking is an issue that many people deal with whether they are at home or at work. When you live in a private neighborhood, there are usually rules set forth to help people manage their parking problems, but they are not always followed. At work, businesses struggle to have enough parking if they share a parking lot with other businesses or have a popular spot near them. This means that their own customers may struggle to find a parking spot, potentially steering away business. What can you do to enforce parking in these two areas?
At Home
Many communities are finding that the most effective way to handle all of their neighborhood management issues are to have a homeowners association, or HOA. They typically are responsible for the maintenance and enforcement of rules for all shared property in the boundaries of their own communities, including parking. For these neighborhoods, parking is monitored and enforced by the HOA. Typically, they have an agreement with a towing service. The way to best warn people of where they can and cannot park is through posted signs or handing out permits to place on the car. Clearly post signs at each entry to the parking lots to let people know the rules. One common rule is that covered parking spots are reserved for residents, leaving uncovered parking as visitor's parking. Other neighborhoods mark visitor's parking spots with the word "visitor" in each stall or with a sign in front of each one.
At Work
The owner of a business usually has a right to put a sign in front of certain spots, stating that the parking stalls directly in front of their store are reserved for their customers only. This helps to deter anybody from blocking prime spots when they are not visiting your business. Since every city will have different sign ordinances, it is always best to check with your individual local officials for the best route of action.
When Rules are Violated
Many HOA's and businesses will strike up an agreement with a towing service who will help them quickly to either tow a vehicle or place a boot on the car. This way, they can clear parking spots quickly, leaving the burden of cost on the violator. Other locations have an agreement to pay a small monthly sum to a towing company which allows the towing personnel to monitor the parking lots. If they find anyone in violation of parking rules, parking on a red curb, or just parked illegally, they are free to tow on the spot. The key is to state conditions clearly on the signs you post so that people are adequately warned of the rules for parking. Once you have communicated the rules clearly, you can enforce parking at your home or business.