AHOSKIE – Improper parking will soon lead to fines within the town of Ahoskie.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said that his officers are observing more and more motorists parking in the wrong direction.

“That creates a double hazard,” Fitzhugh said. “If a motorist crosses from their lane to the other lane and then parks, their vehicle is actually facing oncoming traffic. That means they have to cross over twice, once to park and then again to exit that parking space.”

Fitzhugh said parking in the wrong direction (facing traffic) is illegal. He added that this is becoming an issue in both the town’s business district and residential areas.

“If we don’t do something about it now, it’s going to get out of hand,” he said.

For now, Ahoskie Police officers will issue verbal warnings as well as warning tickets to motorists parking illegally. Fitzhugh promised that in 30 days, those warnings will cease and citations will be issued. Those citations come with a fine where the warnings do not.