BRIGHTON, Utah — The Town of Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon announced it would be increasing fines to $150 for illegal parking.

As Utah’s population increases and the number of people accessing canyons continues to grow, there are more vehicles being parked on the roadway causing significant issues.

The Unified Police Department sent out a release citing an increase of traffic in the canyons and public safety as the reasons for the price hike.

The release states, “The numerous vehicles parked along the roadway block road and private driveways and  hamper or prevent emergency vehicle access. These issues also cause significant safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles attempting to navigate the roadways in the Town of Brighton.”

The Brighton Town Council has passed an ordinance allowing a civil notice of violation to be issued to these vehicle owners.

The fine for illegal parking in the Town of Brighton on all public roadways will be $150 and any violations will be processed by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District.

Vehicles parked on private roads will be towed by the property owner at the vehicle owner’s expense.

“We are not doing this for revenue. We are trying to encourage people to do the right thing” Mayor Dan Knopp said. “We make travel hard and potentially put lives in danger when vehicles are parked in the roadway.”

The Town of Brighton, Unified Police Department, and Utah’s Department of Transportation are teaming up to educate visitors to the canyon before they begin enforcement. Beginning Dec. 7, 2022, UPD officers issued warnings to cars parked in violation of this ordinance. The warning period will continue until next week when enforcement and ticketing will begin.

“The town is hopeful that the public will realize the dangerous parking issues and will cooperate by either parking safely or using public transportation. We don’t want to issue large fines or tow cars, but safety is our top priority,” Carolyn Keigley Councilwoman for the Town of Brighton said.