To maintain timely responses by first responders, the City of Yuma is adding lane markings and signage to help motorists remain clear of driveway access to fire and police stations.
A contractor for the City will install the lane stripes and signs in the evening and overnight hours from 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 13. Dual lane closures will be in effect when crews are working each area. The locations, in scheduled order, include:
- Avenue A, immediately north of 33rd Street.
- Arizona Avenue, between 24th Street and 25th Street.
- Giss Parkway, between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue.
- 16th Street and Naples Avenue intersection.
- 16th Street between 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue.
At these entrances to fire and police stations, traffic can and does back up. Motorists blocking a station driveway can delay or prevent Yuma Fire Department (YFD) or Yuma Police Department (YPD) vehicles from responding quickly. The markings and signs are designed to remind drivers to practice this common courtesy and to avoid a potential fine.
“Seconds matter when it comes to emergency response,” said YFD Public Information Officer David Padilla Jr. “The new line striping program in front of fire stations is another reminder to keep these important lanes of travel open.”
Padilla added, “Fire stations have been congested at times due to traffic, and when an emergency response is initiated it’s critical that crews can get out of the station and enroute as quickly as possible. We hope that the new program will remind motorists to avoid stopping in front of the fire stations and help keep these lanes of travel open.”
Initially, YPD officers who contact motorists regarding this issue will inform drivers about the law and the need to keep the fire or police exit clear. Following a 30-day grace period, motorists caught blocking a fire exit, according to Yuma City Code, could be issued a base fine of $153 plus court fees, and those ticketed for blocking a police station could see a base fine of $152 plus court fees.
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