Port Police To Enforce Traffic Law Against Parking on Airport Expressway

-Cell Phone Lot a better option for those waiting to pick up passengers-

People who park illegally along the roadway leading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will soon begin receiving traffic citations from the Port of Seattle Police.

To date, Port Police have focused on education instead of enforcement, with officers contacting illegally parked drivers to explain the hazards of parking along a limited access roadway. To help alleviate the situation, the Port created a free Cell Phone Waiting Lot, where drivers can wait for arriving passengers to call.

"The Cell Phone Lot is safe, free and equally convenient to the airport," said Port of Seattle Police Chief Tim Kimsey. "There's just no reason for people to risk an accident by parking along the roadway that leads to the airport.

"We will continue our public education program until Nov. 1, and then our officers will begin issuing citations," Kimsey added.

The fine for parking alongside a limited access roadway is $30.

The airport's Cell Phone Lot is located in front of the Doug Fox Parking Lot on South 170th Street, between the airport expressway and Highway 99. Once the driver receives the call to pick up the arriving passenger, it's just a two-minute drive from the lot to the baggage claim curbside.

Details on the lot can be found at http://www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground/parkingcell.shtml.