Coronavirus response prompts Burbank to stop ticketing during street sweeping
Burbank is pumping the brakes on ticketing vehicles in residential areas on street sweeping days as part of the city’s emergency response to the novel coronavirus.
The decision was made as more and more people are now staying at home and self-isolating themselves during the outbreak, meaning more cars will be parked on streets for extended periods of time. The Burbank Police Department said in a prepared statement that it will also suspend enforcing overtime parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods.
This respite in ticketing is in effect until further notice, according to Sgt. Derek Green, a department spokesman.
However, although the department is easing back on enforcing parking regulations, Green said a traffic bureau supervisor will take appropriate action on any vehicles that are found to have been obviously abandoned.
Burbank joins a chorus of cities in California, including Los Angeles and Glendale, to pause issuing parking tickets as municipalities declare a local state of emergency over the coronavirus.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public confirmed the first case of COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon, although no additional details were offered.
As part of Burbank’s declaration of emergency, city officials moved to close all public buildings, recreational facilities and libraries until April 6 to deter people from congregating. This was then followed up by a mandate from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to close down all bars, clubs, theaters, fitness centers and entertainment venues until further notice.
Because of the mass closures the Burbank City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to prohibit landlords from evicting residential and commercial tenants who cannot pay rent because of the pandemic.
The eviction moratorium is in effect until April 30, although it can be extended by the City Council.
