Large vehicles considered to be nuisances could soon receive fines in Ambridge.
Ambridge Council plans to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit trucks, tractors, buses, motor homes and other large vehicles from parking on the highways and streets situated in the borough.
The ordinance must be advertised at least 30 days, so the earliest council can consider adoption is the May 13 meeting.
John Venn of 19th Street told council earlier this month that he was concerned about restrictions on buses as the legal guardian of several physically, mentally and severely neurologically challenged individuals.
“I try to take them out every week especially now that the weather is getting nice,” he said.
On occasion, he said the microbus he transports them in is parked in front of his house three to four times a month. He worried about being ticketed or getting a knock at the door.
“It is going to be there. It could be there overnight," he said.
Council members said the wouldn't pertain to Venn's situation and would only affect those who park their large vehicles overnight and for long periods of time.
Over the years, officials said there have been complaints from the community about safety hazards regarding large vehicles that sit in one place for days, weeks and months.
The following questions and answers help explain the proposed ordinance and how it would be enforced.
What would the ordinance prohibit?
Overnight parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods, which includes:
1. Any truck, truck/tractor, or combination weighing more than 20,000 pounds, and/or a height of more than 9 feet, and/or more than 30 feet in length.
2. Any trailer or special mobile equipment without being attached to a power unit or motor vehicle enabling the trailer or special mobile equipment to be readily removed from the street or highway.
3. Any bus.
4. Any motor home.
Are there exceptions to the ordinance?
Between sunrise and sunset a vehicle may be parked for the purpose of loading or unloading property for no more than 24 hours if parking is not otherwise prohibited.
Will there be any notice of parking restrictions?
Notice of parking restrictions shall be provided by means of traffic control devices, certified letter, personal service, or placing of a notice on a
windshield or another readily visible location on the vehicle.
In the absence of a posted traffic control device, enforcement shall not take place unless a notice of violation has been issued to the owner or operator of the vehicle prior to the date and time enforcement is initiated.
The notice of violation must be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle at least seven days prior to enforcement of the ordinance and the registered owner may request an extension of time upon a showing to the Police Chief exigent circumstances exist that prevent strict compliance with the requirements of the within Ordinance.
What is the penalty for violating the ordinance?
Any person violating any provisions or regulation of the ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined a sum of no more than $300 and upon any default of payment of such fine, may be committed to
imprisonment in the Beaver County Jail for a period not exceeding 30 days. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist by such person shall constitute a separate, additional offense.
What is the effective date of the ordinance?
The ordinance becomes effective upon adoption.
What do you think about the parking of commercial vehicles on residential streets?
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John Venn of 19th Street told council earlier this month that he was concerned about restrictions on buses as the legal guardian of several physically, mentally and severely neurologically challenged individuals.
“I try to take them out every week especially now that the weather is getting nice,” he said.
On occasion, he said the microbus he transports them in is parked in front of his house three to four times a month. He worried about being ticketed or getting a knock at the door.
“It is going to be there. It could be there overnight," he said.
Council members said the wouldn't pertain to Venn's situation and would only affect those who park their large vehicles overnight and for long periods of time.
Over the years, officials said there have been complaints from the community about safety hazards regarding large vehicles that sit in one place for days, weeks and months.
The following questions and answers help explain the proposed ordinance and how it would be enforced.
What would the ordinance prohibit?
Overnight parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods, which includes:
1. Any truck, truck/tractor, or combination weighing more than 20,000 pounds, and/or a height of more than 9 feet, and/or more than 30 feet in length.
2. Any trailer or special mobile equipment without being attached to a power unit or motor vehicle enabling the trailer or special mobile equipment to be readily removed from the street or highway.
3. Any bus.
4. Any motor home.
Are there exceptions to the ordinance?
Between sunrise and sunset a vehicle may be parked for the purpose of loading or unloading property for no more than 24 hours if parking is not otherwise prohibited.
Will there be any notice of parking restrictions?
Notice of parking restrictions shall be provided by means of traffic control devices, certified letter, personal service, or placing of a notice on a
windshield or another readily visible location on the vehicle.
In the absence of a posted traffic control device, enforcement shall not take place unless a notice of violation has been issued to the owner or operator of the vehicle prior to the date and time enforcement is initiated.
The notice of violation must be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle at least seven days prior to enforcement of the ordinance and the registered owner may request an extension of time upon a showing to the Police Chief exigent circumstances exist that prevent strict compliance with the requirements of the within Ordinance.
What is the penalty for violating the ordinance?
Any person violating any provisions or regulation of the ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined a sum of no more than $300 and upon any default of payment of such fine, may be committed to
imprisonment in the Beaver County Jail for a period not exceeding 30 days. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist by such person shall constitute a separate, additional offense.
What is the effective date of the ordinance?
The ordinance becomes effective upon adoption.
What do you think about the parking of commercial vehicles on residential streets?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Like Ambridge Connection onFacebook and follow us on Twitter.
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