The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) launched a 24-hour parking enforcement program Monday. The effort aims to improve parking compliance, reduce traffic and allow agency resources to be better utilized.

Baltimore will begin 24-hour parking enforcement on March 10 as the city seeks to reduce traffic congestion and encourage residents to abide by parking rules, the Department of Transportation said in a news release Wednesday.

Baltimore City started enforcing parking rules 24 hours per day on Monday. In the past, parking enforcement ended at 2 a.m. in the city. The change marks a return to strict ticketing and towing previously seen in Federal Hill and surrounding neighborhoods.