San Francisco parking control officers cracking down on congested areas during rush hour

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco seems to be more and more crowded. There are a lot of people in a limited amount of space, but now the city is targeting those drivers blocking lanes during rush hour.

Driving through San Francisco can seem like a maze. Cars, trucks and even city vehicles are double parked -- making your commute longer and more dangerous. That's why the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency launched its new rush hour congestion strategy on Monday focusing on construction projects, double parking, delivery trucks and cars blocking intersections.

"The message is to follow the rules and this is part of our education to ensure that people are following those rules. We want to make sure that every mode of transportation is moving as efficiently as possible," said SFMTA Spokesman Paul Rose.

Five extra parking enforcement officers will be deployed to a targeted corridor each weekday during the morning and evening rush hours. And the goal is to not just help drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are delayed and often put into dangerous situations because vehicles are parked in their way.

This isn't just about safety -- it's also about the quality of life for people living and commuting in the city. Transportation officials say every time a Muni vehicle gets stuck behind a double parked car -- 40-or-50 people lose a few minutes of their day.

"Sometimes the bus will go around it. Sometimes it will just sit there. But it does impact my commute every day," said Sheila Wright, San Francisco resident.

"Would you like to have that time back in your life?" asked ABC7's Matt Keller.

"Yes, I would," said Wright.

Fines can be anywhere from about $100 all the way to more than $250 depending on the infraction.