Repeat Parking Violation Penalties Called Lenient by City Police Chief

Present penalties for recurrent parking violations are "pretty lenient," Cambridge Police Chief Daniel J. Brennan said last night.

Speaking at a panel discussion on city traffic and transportation problems, Brennan pointed out that present law requires the police to cite a parking violator six times before the fine can be five dollars or more.

Cars with out-of-state registrations pose a special problem for the department, the chief said. The only practical way Cambridge can deal with parking violators whose cars are not registered in Massachusetts is to list the cars on a "towing sheet" after recurrent infractions. Illegally parked cars listed on this list are automatically impounded, Brennan stated.

He also noted the "wonderful cooperation" University police have given the city in controlling student parking.

Other speakers at the discussion, sponsored by the Cambridge Civic Association, cited the need for a comprehensive professional study of Cambridge's traffic problems. The heavy pressure of commuter traffic through the city could eventually make Cambridge a "paved wilderness," unless coordinated action is taken to expand highway and mass transportation facilities.