Revised ordinance will improve traffic in Cottonwood Canyons
Oct 17, 2023, 8:00 PM
Salt Lake County Council passed a revision to parking restrictions in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon, increasing the fine and making violations a civil penalty. (Courtesy of UDOT)
(Courtesy of UDOT)
SALT LAKE CITY — A revised parking ordinance for Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons will go into effect November 1, before the beginning of ski season.
The Salt Lake County Council passed the revision of the ordinance, Parking Prohibited in Specific Areas, on Tuesday. It is designed to enhance existing parking restrictions and, overall, will create safer traveling conditions and improve traffic flow.
According to a release from Salt Lake County, the previous ordinance contributed to unsafe road conditions.
“Over recent years, our officers have seen an increase in service calls to illegal parking and unsafe traveling conditions,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera in the release.
“Illegal parking can create hazardous conditions, especially in winter, leading to more vehicle accidents and delays. Our officers will monitor the roads to ensure people park in the designated areas so we can all enjoy our beautiful mountains more safely,” Rivera said.
Photo courtesy of UDOT
The revision of Parking Prohibited in Specific Areas applies to existing prohibited parking areas and does not create new restricted areas.
Violations will result in a civil penalty and a fine ranging from $75 to $150.
Salt Lake County, the Utah Department of Transportation, and the Unified Police Department collaborated to revise the previous ordinance to improve safety measures for travelers.
Our previous reporting:
- Could toll roads be coming to Big and Little Cottonwood canyons?
- Why are the Cottonwood canyons so prone to avalanches?
- UDOT chooses gondola for Little Cottonwood Canyon
