LPD seeks to educate residents on neighborhood parking regulations

The Laredo Police Department plans to increase public education on residential parking rules after concerns were raised about how residents park on neighborhood streets.

Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez recently said the department's goal is not to immediately ticket residents but to help them better understand what is and is not allowed under city rules.

"The major thing here is public awareness, public education as to how you can park and where not to park," he said.

Rodriguez said many residents are used to parking in certain ways that may violate city ordinances, including parking against the flow of traffic, parking in cul-de-sacs, double parking or blocking sidewalks.

"A lot of people don't know," he said.

Rodriguez said officers and community service officers are directed to work with residents first. In most cases, he said, that means contacting a homeowner and issuing a warning before a citation is considered.

"Their directive is not to just see and cite," he said. "That is not the way we're operating."

He said citations for parking against the flow of traffic in residential areas are rare and are more likely to be issued when parking creates a larger problem, such as during large parties or when vehicles block traffic.

Rodriguez said the safety concern with wrong-way parking is that approaching drivers may not see the expected red taillights of a parked vehicle at night, especially in poorly lit areas.

The department is expected to increase public messaging about parking rules so residents better understand how to avoid violations.

"We would do a lot better moving forward and making sure that we provide the public with that education," Rodriguez said.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.