Fire lane blockers may be ticketed, police chief warns
By Evan Carden SA Editor

Vehicles frequently block fire lane in front of stores at Jackson Square Shopping Center. (SA photo by Evan Carden)

The Jackson Police Department will soon begin issuing parking tickets to those who park in fire lanes in front of local shopping centers.

Police Chief Charles Burge said he has received a number of complaints from businesses and members of the general public concerning the illegal parking problem. "We will begin by issuing warnings, but after a short grace period, parking tickets will be issued to those who violate this ordinance," he said.

Jackson Fire Chief Neal Bradley said the fire code states that if a building is more than 150 feet from the main road it must have a fire lane in front to give fire trucks access. He said if people park in the fire lane that could hinder firefighters in efforts to gain entry to the building in case of a fire.

"Our department has been lax in enforcing this," said Burge. "Due to an increase in complaints recently, we will begin enforcing it."

He said those parking in fire lanes will be ticketed regardless of whether or not anyone is inside the vehicle. "We will enforce this at all locations where there are fire lanes," he added.

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