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Motorists in West Salem will have a few less calendar dates to worry about when it comes to alternate side parking.

At its June 3 meeting, the West Salem Village Board shortened its alternate side parking dates by two weeks. The period now runs Nov. 1 through April 1; the old period ran through April 15.

The change came after complaints the West Salem Police Department received during the last alternative side parking period.

In the past, the department had been more lenient in issuing warnings or enforcing the last two weeks. This last period, though, the department was stricter, prompting upset residents and motorists.

Changing the end date to April 1 brings West Salem into consistency with most other municipalities in La Crosse County that have alternative side parking periods.

“I’m pleased it passed,” said West Salem Police Chief Charles Ashbeck. “It only made sense that we were in line with other municipalities in the area.

“I don’t think the need to enforce alternate side parking in April was that great anyway. This should lead to less confusion for many village residents, thus resulting in better overall compliance.”

Village Administrator Teresa Schnitzler agreed.

“Changing the alternate side parking ending date to April 1 instead of April 15 will coincide with surrounding communities and resolve confusion and frustration for West Salem residents.”

The village board held a public hearing on the ordinance change, but no one spoke in favor or against it. The board approved the ordinance change unanimously.

As it now reads, alternate side parking is in effect Nov. 1 through April 1 between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles can only be parked on even-numbered sides of streets on nights with an even calendar date, and vehicles have to be parked on odd-numbered sides of streets on odd-numbered dates.

In addition, vehicles cannot be parked within the circular turn-around portion of a cul-de-sac during those dates and times.