It shall be the duty of officers designated
by the Chief of Police to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Such officers are hereby authorized to direct all traffic either in
person or by means of visible or audible signal 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 Chief of Police is hereby authorized to
close temporarily any street or highway in an impending or existing
emergency, or for any lawful assemblage, demonstration or procession.
The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to
prohibit, temporarily, parking on any street or highway or part thereof
in an impending or existing emergency, or for a lawful assemblage,
demonstration or procession. Vehicles parked 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 drivers 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 necessitate a departure
from any part of this chapter. These exemptions shall not, however,
protect the driver of any vehicle from the consequences of a reckless
disregard of the safety of others.