East Lansing Is Turning to Solar-Powered Cameras to Catch Illegal Parking

East Lansing is preparing to use solar-powered cameras to crack down on drivers who park in areas where they are not supposed to. The city is partnering with Municipal Parking Services to install devices known as "Safety Sticks" in no-parking zones that regularly see violations.

How East Lansing’s Parking Cameras Will Work

The cameras are designed to activate only when a vehicle remains parked in a restricted area for more than 90 seconds. Once that happens, the system takes a picture of the vehicle's license plate.

What Happens Before a Ticket Is Issued

Before a ticket is issued, the image will be reviewed by both Municipal Parking Services and East Lansing parking enforcement to confirm that an actual violation occurred. If the violation is approved, a citation will be mailed to the vehicle's registered owner.

Pilot Program Recorded 1,347 Possible Violations

East Lansing tested the technology during a pilot program in April. Seven cameras were placed in downtown locations and recorded 1,347 possible parking violations in just one month.

No tickets were handed out during that trial period, but city officials said the numbers showed how often drivers are stopping or parking in restricted areas.

Why East Lansing Is Targeting Illegal Parking

Police say illegal parking can create traffic backups and safety concerns, especially when vehicles stop near corners or block areas needed to keep traffic moving.

The East Lansing City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with the program.

City officials say it will take at least 60 days before the cameras are fully operating and tickets begin going out.

The city plans to give residents and drivers additional notice before enforcement officially begins.