It shall be the duty of the Police Department to enforce the provisions of these rules and orders. Said department is hereby authorized to direct all traffic either in person or by means of visible or audible signals in conformance with the provisions of these rules and orders, 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 these rules and orders.
The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to temporarily close any street or highway in an impending or existing emergency or for any lawful assemblage, demonstration or procession, provided there is reasonable justification for the closing of such street.
The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to temporarily prohibit parking on any street or highway, or part thereof, in an impending or existing emergency or for a lawful assemblage, demonstration or procession, provided there is reasonable justification for such prohibition. Vehicles parked in places where parking is temporarily prohibited may be moved by or under the direction of an officer.
The provisions of these rules and orders shall not apply to operators actually engaged in work upon a street or highway closed to travel or under construction or repair, to officers 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 for the safety of others.
For purposes of trial, the Selectmen may make temporary rules regulating traffic, or test under actual conditions traffic signs, markings or other devices. No such experimental rule regulating traffic shall remain in effect for a period of time longer than 30 days.