Menlo Park changes overnight parking rules Menlo Park changes overnight parking rules (December 03, 2003)

To avoid a $31 ticket for parking overnight on Menlo Park streets, city residents traditionally called a police hotline and left the car's license plate number and location. Soon, they'll be able to buy $1 temporary overnight permits instead.

The call-in line, which will be abolished January 1, had become a burden on both Menlo Park police department employees who had to take down information from the line and residents who had to remember to call, Sgt. Paul Kunkel said.

"We're trying to make it as convenient as possible," he said, adding that residents will be able to buy permits both at the police station and online at menloparkpolice.com.

Proof of residency in Menlo Park is required to buy the permits. They are available beginning this week but cannot be used until after January 4, Sgt. Kunkel said.

Police are not enforcing the ban on overnight parking during the holiday season from December 13 through January 3, because many residents will have relatives coming from out of town, he said.

Residents can purchase up to 50 permits at one time; each household can use a permit up to 100 nights per year. For more information, call the department's records division at 330-6308.

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