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 MARDI GRAS INFORMATION
FRENCH QUARTER STREET CLOSURES
Beginning March 4th to March 8th, from 6pm to 6am, the boundaries of the French Quarter will be closed to vehicular traffic: Canal Street, to North Rampart Street to Dumaine Street to Decatur Street.
Officers will allow French Quarter residents, taxis and hotel guests inside of that perimeter, however, there may be no on street parking. Vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Bourbon Street from Canal Street to St. Ann Street.
OTHER NOTES & REMINDERS FROM NOPD:
Police officers will be visible along parade routes before, during and after the parades. Uniformed officers will engage in crowd control and plainclothes officers will be among the spectators for detection of crimes such as pickpocketing, etc.
Spectators are reminded also it is illegal to drink from an open metal or glass container on or near parade routes.
There will also be an increased police presence in the Downtown, French Quarter, CBD and DDD areas. Officers will be patrolling on foot, on scooters, on segways, on motorcycles and the Mounted Unit will also be on patrol.
Article IV of the Mardi Gras Ordinance, entitled, "Throws and Throwing," prohibit riders and maskers from tossing throws or favors to the rear and/or front of their floats or trucks. It also prohibits them from throwing in the parade formation and disbanding areas. This will be ENFORCED to provide for the safety of our citizens, especially children. It is quite hazardous for trinket seekers to be in either the front or rear of floats and trucks, as well as in the formation and disbanding areas, which are heavily congested.
Owners of property along parade routes are reminded that this Mardi Gras ordinance also prohibits the erecting of stands or platforms on the sidewalk, street and/or medians. The CHAINING OF LADDERS to public property, light standards, utility poles, and/or to each other, IS PROHIBITED. ALL LADDERS used by parade spectators should be structurally sound. No ladders, chairs, ice chests, chaise lounges, etc. should be placed in intersections, on medians or between curbs of public streets. The rule governing ladders is: LADDERS SHOULD BE PLACED AS MANY FEET BACK FROM THE STREET CURB AS THE LADDER IS HIGH.
MARDI GRAS PARKING ENFORCEMENT:
The City has announced its parking enforcement policy for Mardi Gras in the upcoming weeks. Parking enforcement policies remain the same as in previous years.
- Two hours prior to the scheduled start of each Mardi Gras parade, any unauthorized vehicle on any part of the published parade route will be ticketed and towed. This will ensure public safety and facilitate the flow of the Carnival Krewes ($75 fine and seizure);
- Two hours after a Mardi Gras parade ends, any unauthorized vehicle on any part of the published parade route will be ticketed and towed. This is done to clear the route for the City's Department of Sanitation ($25 fine and seizure);
- Beginning the Friday before Mardi Gras, at 12:01 a.m., until the Wednesday after Mardi Gras, at 6:00 p.m., no vehicles, except those issued permits, are allowed into the French Quarter between Iberville, N. Rampart, Dumaine, and Decatur ($50 fine and seizure);
- Parking of vehicles equipped with living accommodations is prohibited during certain hours. It is strictly enforced during the Mardi Gras season, particularly in the Central Business District, Warehouse and Garden District;
- Before, during and after the parades, the City will extend enforcement efforts into the neighborhoods adjacent to the published parade routes. This will minimize non-residential intrusion. Parking Officers will primarily enforce the following:
- Valid Residential Parking Permits ($40 fine),
Safety violations which include:
- Blocking hydrants,
- Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection, or stop sign,
- Parking in the wrong direction (vehicles must park in the direction of travel on one way streets, and with the right wheel to the curb on two way streets),
- Vehicles blocking sidewalks,
- Vehicles blocking driveways,
- Parking in Handicap zone ($500 fine),
- Scofflaw vehicles that have unpaid parking tickets shall be immobilized.
Vehicles parked on the neutral ground are subject to a parking violation and seizure ($75 fine).
For more information on parking enforcement, citizens may call:
ˇ Department of Public Works (Parking enforcement and information), (504) 658-8100 (answered 24 hours)
ˇ Information related to Residential Parking Permits, (504) 658-8200
ˇ Pay and release of boot, (504) 658-8083.
ˇ Information on Ticket/Tow Appeals Hearings: (504) 658-8250
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several projects in store for 2011, including an in-depth focus group, our annual "Getaway In The Vieux Carre" summer campaign and holiday promotions. We welcome member input at all times and would love to hear what's important to you. If you would like to take part in the focus group, would like to participate in the "Getaway In The Vieux Carre" campaign, or have any ideas you would like us to consider, please take a minute to let us know. 
