Signs will go up, picnic tables will be removed and a 15-minute parking rule will go into effect in Menemsha this week after Chilmark selectmen heard concerns Tuesday about people congregating at scenic spots.

“If there’s a good sunset, that parking lot is full,” Debbie Hancock told the selectmen at their meeting Tuesday, held by videoconference. “Being down at Menemsha is a lovely place to be, but there is a heck of a lot of people walking around. I get that that’s not completely against the rules . . . maybe there could be a little more enforcement.”

Katie Carroll, a member of the Chilmark board of health and co-owner of Menemsha Texaco, echoed the concerns.

“This is not a vacation, it is a pandemic,” Ms. Carroll said. “People should not be just lingering . . . we need to get a little stronger in town.”

Selectmen and others said the problem appears to be at lunchtime and sunset, and agreed more enforcement is in order. But Chilmark police chief Jonathan Klaren was hesitant, citing the townwise emergency order that limits non-essential travel but allows for people exercise outdoors.

“Looking at the order now, you’d have to consider making changes, or clarifying it . . . we’re all in agreement the less outdoor activity, the quicker this virus will run its course,” the chief said. “Picnic tables, if they are on town property, could be removed. But when we really look at the order here, you want to be consistent or think about changing it,” he said.

Chilmark fire Chief Jeremy Bradshaw said his department can assist police with enforcement, or at least guidance on social distancing rules.

Board of health member Matt Poole said the model is already being used by the Trustees of Reservations and other land trusts nationally.

“I do think the concept of trying to thin the places where people congregate . . . is really important,” Mr. Poole said.

Selectmen considered banning parking at Menemsha after 6 p.m., but instead to take interims steps first to discourage large gatherings. Signs will go up at Menemsha, Squibnocket, Lucy Vincent, the post office and bank. There will also be increased patrols from fire and police departments to advise people of the regulations.

At Menemsha, all picnic tables, lobster traps and other things used for seating, will be removed. Parking will be limited to 15 minutes.

Town administrator Tim Carroll said signs have been taken out of storage, and department heads are working on wording.

“Let’s put up the signs and revisit it next week to see if it’s working,” selectman Bill Rossi said. “Then we can get a little more strict.”