LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — Lake Wales police have started issuing tickets to people who are getting in line at school drop-off and pick-up and parking on the street near Hillcrest Elementary School.
Many parents and school administrators are familiar with this occurrence: long lines that impact traffic at school drop-off and pick-up.
“We’re getting complaints not only from the residents but from the school staff,” said Lt. Dale Hampton with the Lake Wales Police Department.
Hampton said the traffic around the school has been a challenge for years, with some drivers blocking driveways and crosswalks.
“No parking” signs were installed.
“A few weeks ago, we went out and had officers educate them and talk to the people that were parked on the crosswalk, parked blocking people’s driveways where they can’t get in or out,” Hampton said.
He said some people continued to park there, and 10 people, in total, were given citations.
The tickets cost $25 for city ordinance violations.
“A few of the people that got the no parking citation was sitting right in front of the no parking sign,” Hampton said.
Parent Adam Leafy was parking next to a “no parking” sign on Carlton Avenue Thursday afternoon.
He was not alone.
“Can’t really offer citations if not everyone’s aware of it, you gotta plan better, and then everyone has to be aware,” Leafty said. “If we’re not aware, then it doesn’t make sense getting citations if you’re not aware of it. You have to have good direction. What is a proper route?”
Meanwhile, people who live nearby have grown frustrated.
Some, according to Lt. Hampton, have complained to police and at city commission meetings.
Russell Soucy said he has had to get out of his car to ask drivers to move away from his blocked driveway.
“I have two driveways. Some of them will block both of them. Some of them won’t pay attention. They don’t care.”
Lake Wales Carter Schools superintendent Julie Conraid said the traffic poses a challenge and school leaders are always working on better traffic patterns.
“We have procedures and routines that have been vetted with law enforcement to be able to keep kids safe,” she said. “As adults, we have to help the school help keep your child safe by working with us.”
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