Warwick police are issuing $100 tickets to businesses and homeowners who fail to remove snow from their sidewalks.

The Police Department was to begin handing out violations at 7 a.m. today to businesses and homeowners not complying with an ordinance requiring snow to be removed from sidewalks. Ticketing will continue through 7 p.m. Saturday.

Police say sidewalks covered with snow and ice are safety hazards, particularly for the elderly.

Police say they've used discretion and tried to educate residents. But officials say ample time has passed since the late-January storm dumped nearly 2 feet of snow in some areas, and homeowners and businesses must comply with the ordinance.