MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More people are going to be walking if they don't start watching where they park.
Due to a number of recent complaints about station personnel illegally parking when they are out in town or in Hiroshima, the station is now requiring off-base parking offenders to appear in traffic court in addition to handing out stricter penalties, including the revocation of driving privileges when warranted.
"The base is bringing resolution to off-base parking problems," said Maj. Jonathan Foster, Provost Marshal. "Many people are parking in private parking spaces, which falls outside of normal parking regulations. Now the people who own the parking spaces can receive restitution or have repeat offenders punished."
First, Japanese nationals who own parking spots call the base and file a complaint, which is investigated to ensure the violation is valid, noted Foster. After a report is filed, the offender is required to appear in traffic court for an administrative review. The court will either have the individual pay restitution or find some other kind of solution. If the individual is a repeat offender, or if there are other circumstances, then the court can revoke the individual's driving privileges.
According to Marine Corps Air Station Order P5560.8A, which governs traffic regulations and driving privileges for station personnel, the command can withdraw, suspend or revoke anyone's driving privileges if that person fails to obey traffic laws on or off base.
"Driving is a privilege, and if you abuse that privilege, you may lose the privilege to operate a vehicle," said Lt. Col. Peter Collins, station executive officer.
"The bottom line is this command has received too many complaints about station personnel parking illegally," said Foster. "Therefore, we are now taking stricter action against the offenders. People will be held accountable for their actions off station."