A critical part of every major snow alert is the preemptive step all residents need to take in moving their vehicle to the proper side of the road. This is critical to both the clearing of the streets and the safety of the roadways if anyone must travel. It is not unusual to have some residents forget to move their vehicles to the proper side of the road. However, this year, we have seen more unmoved vehicles than usual.
In just the last 24 hours, more than 70 tickets have been issued related to cars parked on the wrong side of the road, creating difficulties for plows and safety hazards. I cannot stress this enough; we need every resident to move their vehicle to ensure the roadways can be cleared properly and that the roads are safe. To help manage the problem, Lansdale Police will, and have been, knocking on nearby doors to give the owner a chance to move the vehicle before being ticketed.
I recognize how difficult it can be putting all our cars on one side of the road. We are a dense borough with some very tight roadways and limited parking space. That is why moving vehicles before the snow begins is critical to helping everyone find a spot, even if that spot is a short walk away from your doorway.
Last year, compliance on this issue was much better and fewer tickets were issued. I am hopeful that we can improve upon last night’s performance and cars can be moved before the storm peaks today and cars are completely snowed in. If vehicles are not moved and they present a safety hazard to plows or to other drivers, the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense. This is not something we want to do; however, we cannot have parked cars creating a more hazardous environment than already exists.
Again, I know this is a tough issue for some because parking away from your home is not ideal and can cause challenges. If you have not moved your vehicle yet, please do so as soon, and as safely, as possible. If you have, thank you so much for the help in keeping our borough safe and being patient while we wait out the remainder of the storm.
Maintaining and managing this borough is something everyone needs to participate in every day, even if it is in small ways (like parking on the correct side of the street during snow events). Improving our borough is something we all must be a part of and even the small stuff matters. As the storm continues to rage on, please be safe and help your neighbors if possible. Offer a hand shoveling or clearing snow if they need it. The challenges, and weight, of storms and snowfall is more easily lifted if we all work together.
Stay safe out there and stay warm!
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Pandemic Parking Changes
Mayoral Musings: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mayoral Musings: Thoughts On The Insurrections At The Capitol
Mayoral Musings: Municipal Dreams For 2021
