Milwaukee DPW suspends timed, metered, night parking restrictions amid COVID-19

Officials with the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works on Thursday evening, March 19 suspended all timed, metered, and night parking restrictions effective immediately to accommodate residents home due to the novel coronavirus.

DPW officials said in a statement vehicles will not be required to alternate sidepark or have night parking permits.

Drivers must abide by all other parking regulations, including posted “no parking” signs. Parking enforcement officials will focus on safety-related violations including unauthorized parking in a handicapped space, obstructing traffic/bicycle/streetcar lanes, and parking too close to an alley/driveway/fire hydrant/ crosswalk, DPW officials said in the release.

Additionally, no parking in a loading zone (including carryout zones) will be actively enforced. Per Wisconsin statute, a vehicle must be attended while actively loading/ unloading so that it may promptly be moved in case of an emergency or to avoid obstruction of traffic.

Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), who is running for mayor, earlier Thursday called on city leaders to suspend non-essential towing and debt collection amid the coronavirus crisis.

Senator Taylor said, “Milwaukee should join cities looking to financially minimize harm to residents during this public health crisis.”