CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Chicopee Police have been receiving a growing number of complaints regarding illegal parking in a busy shopping plaza, which not only creates a nuisance, but also a potentially dangerous situation.

Police will be enforcing and ticketing those who illegally park in fire lanes at Walmart shopping plaza. The lanes are used to help fire crews and police respond quickly during an emergency and should remain clear at all times. “There’s been an increase in foot traffic going in and out of the businesses up there and we’ve had complaints from the people that it makes it hard to get into the crosswalks and get into the businesses because cars are parked in the fire lane,” said Chicopee Police Officer Travis Odiorne.

Odiorne added that, after the recent snowfall and plows coming through, has made the roadways a bit narrower and has caused blockages and traffic jams throughout the area. He said police crews will now monitor the area for those who continue to park illegally. “Typically, we would give them a courtesy pulling up to them and asking them to move. If we see the same car on multiple occasions, then we are going to shoot them a $50 fine for parking in the fire lane,” he explained.

Police said they tend to notice people parking in the fire lanes to pick-up or drop-off or anything, but it still leaves room for mishaps. “We see a lot of people getting food deliveries, parking in the fire lanes just to run in and run out and grab their food, people loading and unloading groceries in front of Walmart, which can take a little bit longer than usual,” Odiorne added.

For those jumping out of a passenger seat or helping elderly, it’s understandable, but it’s important to drive away as quick as possible and park in a designated parking spot.

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