KENNEWICK, Wash. – A new ordinance targeting illegal “cut-through” trips went into effect on Wednesday. The Kennewick City Council passed the ordinance on September 16, allowing the Kennewick Police Department (KPD) to stop drivers using private driveways and parking lots to avoid intersections and stoplights.
Local businesses reported seeing 80 to 120 vehicles cutting through their property daily, according to KPD. Starting Wednesday, drivers found in violation of the ordinance could receive fines up to $250.
KPD Special Services Commander Isaac Merkl highlighted the dangers associated with cut-through traffic.
“It’s dangerous to have a large volume of cut-through traffic in private parking lots because drivers are backing out of parking spaces and patrons are trying to make it safely back to their vehicles,” Merkl said.
Merkl noted that KPD will conduct emphasis patrols in areas where cut-through traffic has been problematic in the weeks following the ordinance’s implementation.
Additionally, two signs will be installed near Steptoe Street to inform the community about the new law, KPD reported.
