It’s time to find a proper parking spot or face the consequences, according to a major state’s police department.
Officers are cracking down on drivers who illegally park, even for a minute.
Local police have had enough of people illegally using fire lanes outside Home Depots.
The increasing number of drivers using these critical emergency spaces has alarmed local cops.
They are now increasing surveillance and insisting that anyone found in violation of this rule face a $125 fine.
The Poughkeepsie Police Department in New York enforces Town Code § 110-6E.
The police have increased their enforcement of this rule due to the critical role that these fire lanes play in public safety.
In the event of a fire or medical emergency, first responders must have clear and unobstructed access to the Home Depot store.
Any roadblocks caused by illegal parking could cause these emergency workers to be delayed, potentially leading to disastrous consequences.
In these situations, every second counts.
Detective Gregory Drobot of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department stated simply, “Don’t be lazy; find a parking spot.”
He added, “These areas are designed for those critical seconds in life-saving emergencies.”
“Don’t park in these lanes even if you’re just ‘ running in quick.'”
It doesn’t matter how long you spend in a fire lane; you’ll be fined because emergency services require these spaces to be available always.
Briefly stopping, idling, or quickly loading your trunk with your hazard lights on is no excuse and will land you in the same trouble as parking for an extended shopping trip.
Delivery drivers do not receive passes and must find a legal parking spot, just like other drivers.
In short, if you don’t have blue lights, fire lanes are permanently off limits.
A $125 fine is not a small fee, and repeat offenders may face additional penalties.
This announcement comes after Home Depot had to clarify rumours about changes to its parking rates.
According to Pro Tool Reviews, beginning April 1, Home Depot will more than double its parking fee from $2 to $5 in some cities, including Los Angeles.
Customers who spend more than $250 in a single visit will receive a parking voucher, while Home Depot Pro Xtra loyalty program members who spend more than $1,000 per year will receive free parking.
The move sparked immediate backlash on social media, with calls to boycott Home Depot.
“#BoycottHomeDepot @HomeDepot wants to charge you $5 to park!!” exclaimed a fuming shopper, Rocky, on a recent X post.
However, when The Sun contacted the retailer, he clarified the new parking fee.
Home Depot confirmed that Pro Tool Reviews had played an April Fools’ joke.
“This is not true,” an actual Home Depot spokesperson stated in an email.
“This was apparently an April Fool’s joke that Pro Tool Reviews posted without our knowledge.”
