VERMONT — Vermont State Police responded to reports of cars parked on Lake Dunmore Road near Branbury State Park in Salisbury on Saturday and found more than a few scofflaws.

Troopers arrived at the entrance to the state park and found 50 to 60 motor vehicles parked on the side of the road and within the lane of travel. This area of Lake Dunmore Road is clearly posted with “No Parking” signs. While on scene, bystanders told troopers that some of the people who illegally parked their cars had jumped over the fence and didn’t pay for entry into Branbury.

Many state parks opened for the season on Friday, May 13, and local people report that Branbury was crowded that day with visitors enjoying the continued unseasonably warm weather with a trip to the beach. They said Lake Dunmore Road was also littered with many illegally parked vehicles that day, too.

After assessing the situation on Saturday, troopers went into the park and asked people parked on the road to move their cars. Some just left and others moved their vehicles into the appropriate parking area of state park, police report. But several vehicles remained parked on the roadway and were towed due to being a traffic hazard.

As summer is upon us and traffic increases around the state parks, Vermont State Police remind the public to abide by “No Parking” signs and any other rules — including entry fees. People who want to visit these beautiful natural areas can find more information about Vermont State Parks online at vtstateparks.com.

In other recent activity, Vermont State Police:

• On May 14 at a few minutes before midnight responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Monkton Road in Bristol. Police cited driver Daniel Gebo Jr., 45, of Lincoln for driving under the influence.
• On May 16 at around 3:30 p.m. closed Route 22A near Old Stonehouse Road in Addison after live power lines went down in the storm and set off a brush fire. Police announced that Route 22A was open again at 6:52 p.m.