BEDFORD – A recommendation from Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore to pass an ordinance on parking in the same direction of traffic was approved Monday evening during the Bedford City Council meeting.
The City did not have an ordinance in place in reference to the issue but have had the option of using the state ordinance Indiana Code 9-21-16-7, which would fine individuals to be found at fault a total of $135.50.
The Bedford City ordinance will be less harsh for violators, which will instead cost only $10 per violation if it is paid within the first 10 days of the violation. Following the first 10 days, the fine will increase to $25 for the violation. Individuals would then have an additional 30 days to handle the fine before it is handed over to City Attorney Greg Pittman, and from there it can go to court.
Chief Moore wanted to give a break to citizens, by not relying on the State ordinance but said they are within the law to issue citations for the higher amount.
“We have been issuing warnings for violations against the flow of traffic parking, because we don’t want to put such a large citation on someone,” said Chief Moore. “In the case of repeat offenders, we will continue through the ordinance process, and if it is determined to use the state ordinance amount, we will do so.”
Chief Moore said the warnings were used to educate citizens of what the cost of the fine would be at the state level. Additionally, once the ordinance is posted, BPD will have to wait two weeks before they can enforce the fine of $10.
