Overview
- The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted to direct staff to draft a temporary one-year no-parking ordinance for the area around Bixby Bridge, a measure approved by three supervisors while two abstained.
- The restriction is not in effect because the county must obtain an emergency coastal development permit, secure Caltrans and Coastal Commission permissions, pass a formal ordinance and finalize enforcement and funding plans.
- County staff cited traffic counts showing as many as 325 pedestrian crossings per hour and up to 70 complete vehicle stops per hour at peak times to justify action aimed at improving emergency access and safety.
- Officials have not settled enforcement details or costs and estimated weekend California Highway Patrol coverage could cost roughly $15,300 per month for Friday-through-Sunday patrols.
- Local residents, fire officials and tourism leaders say the surge in visitors since Highway 1 reopened has worsened congestion and slowed emergency response, and the county plans to revisit the ban after resolving permit and enforcement obstacles.