Local News

Parking officers to get Segways

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mayor Greg Nickels has ordered another green mark for his record as the Seattle Police Department is now operating "one of the largest fleet of Segways in the nation for parking enforcement," according to a city news release.

"Segways allow parking enforcement officers to be more efficient and accessible around the streets of downtown Seattle," said William Edwards, parking enforcement director. "By being openly mobile, (parking officers) on Segways have observed they are easily approached by people and engaged in positive conversations."

The Segway is a two-wheeled device, balanced by gyroscopic sensors, that travels up to 12.5 mph. These devices get the equivalent of 450 miles-per-gallon and have zero emissions that are in full compliance with Mayor Greg Nickels' Kyoto Protocols. There are a total of six devices, costing approximately $5,000 each, to join the department's existing fleet of vehicles, scooters, and bicycles.

There are 80 parking officers who enforce all city parking ordinances.

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