Torrington updates Vehicles & Traffic ordinance, increasing some fines and clarifying enforcement

The Torrington City Council on Aug. 4 adopted revisions to Chapter 194 (Vehicles and Traffic) that update fine amounts and add several violations to the code. The council approved the measure by unanimous roll-call vote after a presentation from Police Chief Baldwin.

Chief Baldwin provided a historical overview of the city’s parking-fine structure, describing a framework that began in the 1950s and the modest increases in later years. He told the council that some violations originally carried $5 or $10 fines and that those amounts were increased in 2005 and 2019. He said more recent additions to the ordinance included violations such as unattended or oversized vehicles and unattached trailers based on resident complaints. "The fines have been remained consistent for the past 20 years," Baldwin said; the proposed adjustments are intended to act as deterrents and to "enhance our public safety." He also explained that misuse of a state-issued handicap parking placard is a separate state infraction handled by the state, not solely by city ordinance.

Council members asked for more data on the number of annual violations and for clarification on permit limits for municipal lots. Chief Baldwin said the Traffic Division tracks permit issuance and that he would provide counts to the council. Councilman Oliver asked what would qualify as the ordinance’s "other" Class 3 violations; the chief said other city-code violations that produce city tickets could fall under that category and offered to provide the council a detailed list.

The motion to adopt the Chapter 194 revisions was moved and seconded and passed by unanimous roll call.

Ending: Chief Baldwin and staff will supply the council with historical violation counts and additional clarifications on permit caps and the scope of "other" violations as requested.