Darian Trotter WGNO News

January 27, 2012
SLIDELL—
Slidell parade-goers might want to reconsider advanced parking along parade routes.

Police are warning that a parking ordinance will be heavily enforced.

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Mardi Gras parades in Slidell begin this weekend, and continue for the next several weeks.

And already people who live and work along the parade route are having parking nightmares.

"It's hard to find parking; you have to come do it the night before," Cindy Cardona said. "When they start roping everything down that's when everybody starts getting their spots."

"We use to come a day ahead of time, park the truck rope off a little area just for our little gang," Tommy Smith said.

But signs went up last year intended to change that.

Authorities are warning -- Parking along parade routes will be restricted by a heavily enforced city ordinance.

"That only allows vehicles to park 12 hours before parades; and have to be removed 12 hours after the parade," Slidell Assistant Police Chief Kevin Foltz said.

Assistant Chief Foltz says some drivers create safety hazards.

"We have some that park right next to an intersection, cars can't enter that intersection, can't see oncoming traffic," Foltz said.

And then there's the lack of respect for neighbors.

"Lot of people gets angry. They come here every year, they park motor homes, and they tear up the grass," Smith said. "Of course you know alcohol plays a part, and people get a little crazy and do crazy things and stuff like that."

It's why Slidell Police will have extra officers on patrol looking for parking violations; and impaired drivers, before, during, and after parades.

Bottom line, officers want to promote good family fun.

"We want people to come out, have a good time but obey the laws," Foltz said.

Any vehicles parked before or after the allotted times will be ticked or towed at the owner's expense.

The city will also be checking to make sure that vendors have permits.