Southern California is home to a sprawling metropolis that has consistently made parking anywhere a rising concern. Camp Pendleton’s base officials are encouraging commuters to properly park to prevent hindered access to possible emergencies.

“Illegal parking is a concern for not only the public, but for emergency services,” said Sgt. Cory L. Crawford, accident investigator, Traffic Division, Provost Marshal Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Without parking restrictions, you will find the ratio of traffic collisions rise, lives endangered and chaos on public streets.”

Recent improvements and ever-changing environments have limited spaces traditionally designated for parking. An estimated 366 parking citations were issued last year, reflecting nearly 100 additional citations than recorded in 2007, according to Camp Pendleton’s Police Records. This year alone the base’s military police have already cited approximately 144 parking violations.

"Base residents should educate themselves on California’s Vehicle Code and base regulations regarding vehicle parking violations,” Crawford said.

The State of California and base regulations have designated different colors to help individuals identify where to park.

Designated red parking areas indicate no stopping, standing, or parking, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. This excludes buses stopping in designated red zones marked or posted as a loading zone. These zones are often reserved for emergency service vehicles.

“Illegal parking is also a public safety issue hindering emergency services responding to a life or death situations,” Crawford said. “I personally have experienced public disturbances that have resulted in someone’s life being threatened due to someone parking illegally.”

Parking areas designated with yellow markings allow stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers and freight for a brief period of time that local ordinance may mandate. Green specifically indicates time-limited parking specified by local regulations.

“Parking in the wrong area hinders our ability to respond to life threatening situations,” said Yvonne Todd, fire education officer, Fire and Emergency Services, MCB. “Time is vital when responding to emergencies. Every second counts and could be the difference between life and death.”

The common white zones signify parking for the loading or unloading of passengers for longer periods of time, but this also may be determined by local regulations. Blue, or handicapped, parking zones indicate parking exclusively limited to the vehicles of disabled persons and disabled veterans.

“I like to ask this question to people who park where we need to be,” Todd said. “If you needed help would you want someone to park to where we couldn’t get to you?”

Base residents witnessing parking violations are encouraged to fill out a Traffic Violation Report on Camp Pendleton’s official Web site.

For additional information or questions contact Camp Pendleton’s Provost Marshal Office at (760) 763-2077.