DEMING – The Deming Police Department is reminding high school students, parents and community members that vehicles parked near school campuses must not interfere with residential access, neighborhood traffic or essential services.
The department has received concerns from residents about student vehicles being left on residential streets for extended periods while students attend class. In some cases, parked vehicles have created obstacles for homeowners, mail and package delivery drivers, trash collection crews, medical transportation, home-care providers, utility workers and emergency responders.
Students who drive to school are encouraged to use designated school parking areas whenever possible. When parking on public streets, drivers should make certain their vehicles do not block driveways, narrow the available roadway, obstruct sidewalks or interfere with pedestrian access.
Police are reminding drivers not to park on sidewalks, at crosswalks or intersections, near fire hydrants, in traffic lanes or in areas where official signs prohibit parking. Vehicles should also leave sufficient room for garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, utility crews, police officers, firefighters and ambulances to travel safely through residential neighborhoods.
City ordinances prohibit stopping, standing or parking in several locations that commonly create safety and access problems, including sidewalks, driveways, intersections and crosswalks. The city may also establish no-parking restrictions on streets adjacent to school property when parked vehicles interfere with traffic or create dangerous conditions.
The Deming Police Department said it will continue working with school officials, residents and city departments to identify recurring parking problems. Officers may take enforcement action when vehicles are illegally parked or create an obstruction, safety hazard or interference with traffic.
Residents may report ongoing, non-emergency parking concerns to Central Dispatch at 575-546-0354. Situations involving an immediate public-safety threat or an obstruction affecting emergency access should be reported by calling 911.
Police Chief Sergio Lara emphasized that a vehicle left in a neighborhood throughout the school day can affect more than traffic. It may prevent a resident from leaving a driveway, delay trash or mail service, hinder medical transportation or make it difficult for emergency crews to reach a home.
The department is asking student drivers and their parents or guardians to help protect safe neighborhood access by parking legally, responsibly and with consideration for nearby residents.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News, LLC – John@Bravomic.com
