Gloucester Says Enough, Closes Beach Lots To Nonresidents

GLOUCESTER, MA — After handing out a record number of parking tickets this summer, Gloucester is saying enough's enough.

WCVB reported the city is closing the parking lots at its popular beaches to nonresidents this weekend, when temperatures are expected to hit 90 degrees both days. The move comes after complaints and what The Gloucester Times reported was an unprecedented number of parking tickets in recent weeks.

Just last weekend alone, the police department wrote 478 parking tickets worth $31,000 in fines, according to the Times. That was 300 more tickets than the same weekend last year.

The Times also said the beaches will be closed to nonresidents between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Beaches across Massachusetts have been more of a destination than usual, with the coronavirus keeping everyone desperate to get out of their house from gathering indoors. Good Harbor, Stage Fort Park and Wingaersheek beaches are often go-to spots for thousands across the North Shore.

Parking lots at those beaches, as well as many others around the state, are already operating at a reduced capacity to limit the spread of coronavirus.