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20 cars impounded since DFEMS starts enforcing fire lane regs
This car parked along the side of Beach Road in Garapan is one of the 20 vehicles that the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services has towed and impounded since DFEMS starts enforcing the fire lane regulations last April 2. (DFEMS)
The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services has towed and impounded 20 cars since the implementation of the fire lane regulations took effect last Feb. 26.
DFEMS public information officer Derek Gersonde said since they started enforcing the fire lane law last April 2, as of Saturday night they have towed and impounded 20 vehicles.
Gersonde said most of the vehicles were found parking in the fire lanes in western Garapan.
Gersonde reminded the public not to park in the fire lanes.
“The fines and associated towing and impounded fees can add up,” he said.
Some business owners on Saipan, however, criticized the enforcement of the law.
“Garapan lacks parking spaces, we all know that. It’s fine if they designate certain fire lane area, but not almost the whole stretch of the road. They are killing businesses,” a restaurant owner said.
Last February, DFEMS held a discussion with business owners and the public about the implementation of the fire-lane regulations of the Public Law 19-69 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.
DFEMS Commissioner Claudio K. Norita then stated that obviously there are great some concerns about that they are losing parking.
Norita said as he mentioned several times, “life safety trumps convenience.”
The commissioner said the parking that people are used to are those parking on the main highway.
“Those are the concerns about,” he said, adding that DFEMS does not designate parking fire lane on the private property and designate only on the public highway access.
Norita said they look at the access roads that lead to firefighting and delivery of their emergency vehicles or trucks specifically.
Citation is $150, towing costs $250, and storage fee is 20 a day. A police officer or firefighter shall issue a citation for violation. If operator refuses to sign citation, he/she will be arrested. DFEMS said people can contact DFEMS Fire Station in Susupe at 664-9004 to verify if car is towed and that they can pay citation at the Superior Court and provide proof of payment to DFEMS.
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