‘Short cut’ could yield extra time, $175 ticket

If you think cutting through a business parking lot will save you a minute or two of time, think again.

The Maricopa Police Department (MPD) has been cracking down on drivers using business parking lots to avoid traffic congestion, issuing more than 70 citations – at $175 each – in recent weeks to such drivers.

According to MPD, business roadways/parking lots are private property and drivers can and will be cited if they are used to avoid traffic lights or traffic congestion.

According to MPD Deputy Chief Kirk Fitch, officers are trying at least three strategies to combat this issue:

1. Public education through the city Web site and the media
2. Electronic traffic signs posted along State Route 238 warning drivers
3. Enforcement by officers

Asked what has been a primary target for officers, Fitch said the shopping center between SR 238 and the light at Cobblestone Farms has been an area of focus.

Now that MPD is running almost 24 hours a day (the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office provides service during off times), expect officers to continue to pay close attention to this issue.

File photo