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Smithfield approves temporary no-parking rules, authorizes enforcement and towing
Summary
After a public hearing, the Smithfield Town Council approved amendments to Chapter 340 to authorize temporary no-parking regulations, increase fines to levels cited as comparable with neighboring towns, and allow police-ordered towing.
The Smithfield Town Council on a unanimous vote approved an amendment to Chapter 340 to add a temporary no-parking regulation and update the schedule of penalties for nonmoving violations following a public hearing.
The change gives police explicit authority to enforce temporary no-parking zones and to have vehicles towed; fines were raised "to be on par with" surrounding municipalities, the council heard.
At the public hearing resident Bobby Nicolopoulos (26 Deerfield Drive) said the change "hits home" and asked whether the ordinance includes consideration of repeat offenses in a set time period. Chief Eric Dolansmanfield of the Smithfield Police Department said repeat-offender handling would be addressed later, and that the amendment is primarily intended to give officers enforcement authority they previously lacked: "At this particular time... we didn't have the enforcement authority to ticket somebody in the temporary no parking zone. This is a start to begin that process... to also make enforcement." He added that in some situations summonses can be dismissed at the station (for example when a valid placard is shown) and that tow companies that serve the town would handle vehicle removal with tow charges assessed to the owner.
Council members moved and seconded the motion to approve following the hearing; there was no further discussion and the motion carried with the ayes prevailing.
The ordinance change is intended to give the police department a clearer enforcement mechanism for special events, emergencies and short-term restrictions (for example street work or parades). The public hearing record did not include numeric fine amounts in the discussion; council members and the police chief said the revised schedule brings Smithfield in line with neighboring communities but did not state the specific dollar figures in the meeting record.
The council closed the hearing after public comment and adopted the amendment; implementation will be handled by the Smithfield Police Department per existing towing contracts and municipal enforcement practice.
