Special Commuter Enforcement at Dumfries Starts Monday

DUMFRIES, Va. — Get ready commuters in Prince William County who use the commuter parking lot at Dumfries Road and U.S. 1 – police will be watching closely starting Monday.

Officers are stepping up enforcement and will target those who park illegally at the busy commuter lot. The effort comes after a rash of complaints to law enforcement about cars that block travel lanes and crosswalks, all creating hazards for pedestrians and other drivers.

More in a press release from Virginia State Police:

“If you park illegally, you can expect to receive a summons,” said F/Sgt. P.A. Savel, Prince William County Area Commander. “The illegally parked vehicles dangerously impede the flow of traffic and can obstruct a driver’s view which creates a safety concern for everyone who uses the commuter lot. This is not the first time police have had to initiate an enforcement campaign to gain drivers’ compliance with posted parking rules and regulations.”

For the last two weeks and in advance of the campaign, Virginia State Police have been notifying drivers of the upcoming enforcement effort. Those vehicles not in compliance have received warnings in the form of a flyer left on the windshield.

Numerous vehicles park illegally each day in the Dumfries Road commuter lot, which holds a capacity of more than 800 vehicles. In certain instances, the vehicles are parking in one of the two travel lanes. In the event of a medical emergency, illegally parked vehicles could restrict emergency vehicle access.

Illegally parked vehicles are defined as the following:

– Vehicles parked in areas posted or marked with “No Parking” signage.

– Vehicles parked illegally in a travel lane that obstructs traffic. These vehicles will be ticketed and towed from the lot at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Cars found to be parked illegally at the commuter lot will receive a notice on the windshield, and a parking ticket will be mailed to the home of the vehicle’s registered owner.

The stepped up enforcement is a joint effort between state and Prince William police. More information about commuter parking in the region can be found online.