Drivers in the Golden State of California are taking another hit as San Diego imposes new law that could lead to drivers being fined if they are found to be in opposition of the rules.
Traffic is an increasingly worrisome problem faced by cities. From carbon emissions furthering the growing rate of pollution, to the rapid rate at which fossil fuels are used up to fuel vehicles — and not to mention the space issue, from parking to bumper to bumper traffic. In an attempt to aid this and bring more efficiency to the general flow of traffic, California, and more specifically, the city of San Diego, is now joining the ranks with other states in implementing a “daylighting” law.
San Diego drivers show frustration at latest law
As of March 1, the grace period for this new parking law will take effect. Residents of the area are showing great concern over this new law as it prohibits the parking of any vehicle within twenty feet of any crosswalk — this rule applies regardless of whether or not the crosswalk is marked. Drivers of the area are now concerned that this new restriction will make it harder for them to park their cars, and finding parking was already quite a struggle to begin with.
Residents of the North Park neighborhood are feeling increasingly exasperated as this new “daylighting” law is making an already tough parking situation, even worse. This neighborhood of North Park has even been given the nickname “No Park” by residents since they have no designated spaces to park their vehicles.
Neighborhood resident Annette S. has described the parking situation of the area in the two years that they have lived there as being “the worst nightmare.”
Additionally, Annette has noted that, “sometimes we have to sacrifice and park really far, and then I feel bad for the people with kids. They drop them off and get them settled in their home and have to run to park. But even myself, I’ve dropped off groceries really quick, and I’ve gotten a ticket.”
California is now the forty-fourth state to adopt this “daylighting” law. As previously mention, this law prohibits drivers from parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk or intersection — with this rule applying even if the curb is not painted red. The city was not allocated any additional funding to cover the costs to paint the curbs when this law was implemented. As such, San Diego is looking into using its own staff and budget to find funding for paint for the relevant curbs.
Will Moore of San Diego’s policy council, has shared that the implementation of this new law aims to make the intersections safer for pedestrians and drivers alike.
“If you ever pulled up to a stop sign and not been able to see around somebody who’s parked right at the intersection, this is to prevent that from happening,” Moore reasoned.
Fine amounts and implementation dates
The daylighting law has been put into effect as of January 1, however, lawmakers are allowing residents a grace period to adjust to the new arrangement until March 1.
Since the beginning of the year, the city of San Diego has issued approximately 1,500 courtesy or warning notices to drivers in violation of the new law, with Santee issuing between fifty and one hundred notices. Oceanside has only given out a mere three notices. This is because Oceanside falls under the North County City who has had similar ordinances in places for several years now. Furthermore, Oceanside has no immediate plans to hand out tickets (unless deemed necessary by city staff).
San Diego parking enforcement, however, will be strictly enforcing the new law with a payable fine of $77.50 for every violation ticket received. “No Park” residents are understanding of the need for this type of law but wish there was a better way to implement it. “There’s a lot of blind spots,” Annette noted. “But that’s where stop signs come in place. And I think just implementing the stop signs should help.”