Through the first three days of reinstated parking enforcement
downtown, Hollister’s community services officer said no parking
tickets had been given to motorists. Sgt. David Westrick said the
department is undergoing an
”
educational program
”
in the community while issuing warnings for three weeks for the
majority of violations, though police have said they were ready to
begin enforcement of certain infractions this week such as parking
next to a fire hydrant.
HOLLISTER
Through the first three days of reinstated parking enforcement downtown, Hollister’s community services officer said no parking tickets had been given to motorists.
Sgt. David Westrick said the department is undergoing an “educational program” in the community while issuing warnings for three weeks for the majority of violations, though police have said they were ready to begin enforcement of certain infractions this week such as parking next to a fire hydrant.
“(Enforcement) hasn’t been done in a long time,” Westrick said. “We’re trying to educate the public.”
The last time parking had been enforced downtown – between South Street and Third Street – was 2004. The Hollister Downtown Association requested the city begin enforcing parking again this year. The city council earlier this year approved the revived parking enforcement while authorizing the police department to buy a Jeep Wrangler for enforcement and hire someone to write tickets, though a temporary officer is conducting the duties until the agency can hire a permanent employee.
Even though no tickets had been given out, Westrick noted how the department is enforcing certain sections of the vehicle code such as handicap zone parking or parking in a red zone.
“We will take appropriate action if necessary,” he said.
Westrick said he didn’t have an exact date when the department will end its warning period, but added, “I would assume soon.”
The department still enforces parking issues in other parts of the city for “minor violations.”
