It shall be the duty of the police officers
to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Police officers are hereby
authorized to direct all traffic either in person or by means of visible
or audible signals in conformance with the provisions of this chapter,
provided that, in the event of a fire or other emergency to expedite
traffic or safeguard pedestrians, officers of the Police or Fire Department
may direct traffic, as conditions may require, notwithstanding the
provisions of this chapter.
The police may close temporarily any street
or highway in an impending or existing emergency or for any lawful
assemblage, demonstration or procession, provided that there is reasonable
justification for the closing of such street.
The police may prohibit, temporarily, parking
on any street or highway or part thereof in any impending or existing
emergency or for a lawful assemblage, demonstration or procession,
provided that there is reasonable justification for such prohibition.
Vehicles parking in places where parking is prohibited temporarily
may be moved by or under the direction of an officer.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply
to operators actually engaged in work upon a street or highway closed
to travel or under construction or repair, to officers when engaged
in the performance of public duties nor to drivers of emergency vehicles
while operating in an emergency and in performance of public duties
when the nature of the work of any of these necessitates a departure
from any part of these rules and orders. These exemptions shall not,
however, protect the driver of any vehicle from the consequences of
a reckless disregard of the safety of others.
