Kannapolis rolls out 'Parking Smarter' campaign

KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis Fire Department will launch a new program this fall to help improve response times for emergency vehicles.

The new campaign, dubbed "Parking Smarter," will help educate residents in areas where on-street parking sometimes blocks the routes of emergency vehicles. According to city code, it is illegal to park vehicles directly across the roadway from any vehicle parked on the curb or street.

"Most of these parking hazards are typically created by family and friends visiting," Kannapolis Fire Chief Ernie Hiers said in a press release. "This is not a widespread problem, but we would like for people to be aware that it is best for visitors to park on one side of the street."

The Fire Department will begin taking several steps if a roadway parking problem is encountered on a particular street. First, the department will mail letters to each home on the road explaining the correct way to park a vehicle. After a second occurrence, fire officials will leave flyers explaining the proper parking techniques.

In the unlikely event there is a third occurrence within 12 months, the Fire Department will hold a community meeting. A fourth occurrence could result in the city manager recommending that the City Council approve "No Parking" signs on one side of the street.

"Most of the issue is related to people just not realizing that they are creating a hazard," Hiers said. "It is our hope that an education campaign will help solve the problem without having to result to drastic measures."

For more information on the "Parking Smarter" campaign, contact the Kannapolis Fire Department, Risk Reduction Division, at 704-920-4261.