Beach lots restricted

The city has installed “Beach Permit Parking Only” signs along the shoreline, from South Street to Beach Street, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Vehicles parked on the shoreline’s designated side streets without a valid beach sticker can receive a ticket and be towed, according to city officials.

The parking restriction will take effect annually from May 1-Sept. 30.

“Last summer, our neighborhoods along the shorefront were flooded with visitors from out of town that were parking for free, enjoying our beach and shorefront while taking up parking spots that were needed for our residents and their families,” Rossi said. “This year, unless visitors have a valid beach sticker, vehicles in violation will be tagged and towed — we intend on aggressively enforcing this parking ordinance.

“We will always invite and welcome visitors to West Haven, and we want them to enjoy our beaches and shorefront, but they will have to park in designated visitor lots and pay for parking. We are not going to allow the chaos and litter problem we experienced last summer.”

Rossi added, “I am looking forward to a more normal and enjoyable summer season in West Haven and want to ensure that our residents can park in front of their homes.”