Arcata Police Department Press Release:

The City of Arcata recently purchased a Smart Car to be used by the Arcata Police Department Parking Enforcement Division.  “The switch to Smart cars is expected to be cheaper, greener and safer”, Chief Chapman says.  The City of Arcata has used Go-4 Interceptors, three-wheeled carts, in the past.  The switch to the Smart Car saved the city $18,000 in the purchase price alone. 

The two-seater Smart Car is just over eight feet long and less than five feet wide, making it about half the size of a traditional car. In addition to being safe and maneuverable, the Smart Car is fuel efficient (38 mpg), made from 85% recycled material, and easy to maintain. 

The Smart Car will be used throughout Arcata to conduct parking enforcement as well as traffic control duties and response to non-criminal calls for service.  The Smart Car is equipped with a police mobile radio and emergency lights. 

For more information on parking in Arcata, visit

http://www.cityofarcata.org/departments/police/parking-enforcement