From staff reports
L’OBservateur

LAPLACE — Illegally parked vehicles along area highways, especially off Interstate 10 in the River Parishes, have caught the attention of State Police, who are threatening greater fines.

State Police said the issue is at its worst on Interstate 10 between Baton Rouge and New Orleans during hunting season.

“State Police would like to remind the public that parking in these areas is illegal and strictly prohibited under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:296,” Trooper Melissa Matey said. “The shoulders of the road are designed for emergency stopping only. The parked vehicles pose a threat to motorists when they reenter or exit the road and can be a hazard to motorists stopping for emergencies.”

Louisiana State Police is committed to ensuring safety on area highways, Matey said, adding vehicles parked in prohibited areas would be towed at the owner’s expense, and the owner may face traffic citation fines.

Motorists who observe any hazardous situation are urged to call Louisiana State Police at *LSP (*577) from their cell phone.