Here are a couple of important announcements for Philadelphia motorists, as parking restriction enforcement begins today to accommodate street sweeping and the safe use of bike lanes for bicyclists.

The Streets Department reminds motorists that enforcement in all 14 areas of the City’s Mechanical Cleaning Program begins on Monday, May 1. Phase III of the program began on April 3 and to facilitate a more detailed cleaning, there will be restricted street parking on streets wide enough to accommodate relocation of vehicles. Motorists that do not adhere to posted “No Parking” signs will be subject to fines.

“No Parking” signage during specified times will be enforced beginning today in all 14 areas, including the following West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia areas:

• West Philly: Parkside Ave. to Spring Garden St. from 52nd St. to 40th St.
• Southwest: Woodland Ave. to Kingsessing Ave. from 49th St. to Cemetery Ave.

Motorists in the mechanical street sweeping areas are encouraged to use SweepPHL, a web-based map that allows to track the progress of the mechanical broom. Motorists can view when the broom has completed cleaning during the two-hour window to determine when and if they can return their vehicle. The online tool can be found at StreetSmartPHL.phila.gov.

Also starting today, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) will begin issuing tickets to motorists who park in bike lanes as part of the Bike Lane Enforcement Initiative announced last May. PPA bicycle officers will be patrolling bike lanes in Center City, University City and South Philadelphia. The ticket for parking in a bike lane in University City or Center City is $76 and $51 in other areas, according to reports.