The SEPTA parking garage in Lansdale is seen from the northern exit of the garage facing south toward the Lansdale train station in 2020. Photo by MediaNews Group.
Tickets issued beginning 6 a.m. Sunday draw complaints, but many residents credit enforcement for cleaner streets
When Lansdale declared a snow emergency at 8 p.m. Saturday ahead of Sunday night’s storm, according to police, more than 19,000 residents moved their vehicles off designated routes.
By early Sunday morning, enforcement began.
And by Monday, so did the backlash.
In a public message released Wednesday after the storm, Police Chief Ryan Devlin thanked residents who complied and addressed frustration from those who received parking citations.
“Thank you to the more than 19,000 residents who moved their vehicles ahead of Sunday night’s snowstorm,” Devlin wrote. He also commended Public Works, the Electric Department and patrol officers for maintaining operations during the blizzard.
But the tone of the message shifted quickly.
“I am writing to address concerns from those who contacted the station, emailed, left voicemails, filed complaints, or confronted officers after receiving parking tickets during the snow emergency,” Devlin wrote. “While we understand that receiving a ticket can be frustrating, disrespectful language and personal attacks toward our staff are not acceptable.”
Devlin specifically referenced “the caller who spoke with a female civilian at the station on the night of the storm” and said the “language and behavior were entirely inappropriate.”
Early enforcement, strong reaction
The snow emergency was declared at 8 p.m. Saturday, with notifications sent through email, Ready Montco alerts, social media, and officer announcements throughout the borough.
Enforcement began shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday — 10 hours after the initial declaration.
“Early enforcement is necessary to keep streets clear for plows and maintain efficient snow removal,” Devlin wrote.
Some residents pushed back, saying the declaration felt rushed.
“While I do believe 8 p.m. Saturday was a bit rushed for a snow emergency but it is what is so cars need to be moved,” one resident posted. “I see quite a few in my neighborhood who don't move and it's frustrating because then the street doesn't get plowed correctly.”
Others defended the enforcement strongly.
“You can issue someone a $150 speeding ticket and they'll thank you. Issue a parking ticket and they lose their mind!” one commenter wrote.
Another added: “Notice no complaints about that this time around because the plow trucks were actually able to get down roads with the snow emergency enforced.”
Residents in the West Ward and near the train station said conditions were noticeably improved compared to prior storms.
“9th Street by the train station was much better this time around thanks to people ACTUALLY moving their cars,” one resident wrote. “Now we have freshly cleared spots to park.”
Transparency concerns over snow code
Amid the enforcement debate, at least one resident said they attempted to review borough snow regulations and found them difficult to locate online.
“After seeing so many people getting ticketed, I decided to dig into the code myself,” the resident wrote. “Checked the Lansdale Borough site and it was incredibly hard to find.”
The resident suggested the borough provide a visual map outlining affected routes, adding that “a visual aid such as a map would be a huge help for accessibility, particularly for people with learning disabilities.”
Others acknowledged they received citations but accepted responsibility.
“Even though I am one of residents that received a ticket. My issues are nothing more than my issues with this,” one resident wrote. “We all need to abide by the law in order for our Public Works workers to do there job safely and efficiently.”
SEPTA garage confusion adds wrinkle
Complicating matters, some residents who parked in the Lansdale garage during the snow emergency reported receiving tickets issued by SEPTA.
On Tuesday evening, the borough acknowledged the issue.
“We’re aware of reports that parking tickets were issued sporadically to guests who parked in the garage during the snow alert,” the borough posted. “We’re actively working with SEPTA to understand what happened, resolve the issue and clarify the process for ticket redemption.”
A resident claimed they warned a SEPTA employee about the borough’s emergency parking instructions and were met with laughter.
By Wednesday, SEPTA confirmed to NorthPennNow that the tickets would be dismissed.
“Yes, we do have a partnership with Lansdale Borough, and we did allow parking during the snow emergency until Tuesday,” said John Golden, senior press officer for SEPTA. “We have heard that some vehicles were issued tickets and those tickets will be dismissed. SEPTA is working to make sure this situation doesn’t occur again.”
The borough said updates to residents would follow Wednesday or Thursday once details are finalized.
Chief invites conversation
Devlin emphasized that residents who feel a citation was issued in error have options.
“As with any tickets you receive from the police department, you have the right to plead not guilty and request a hearing in front of the judge,” he wrote.
He also offered direct outreach.
“If you wish to discuss concerns about receiving a snow parking ticket, or if you feel you need to let out your frustration, I am available by phone or email, or we can meet for a respectful conversation.”
For now, many residents appear split between irritation over enforcement timing and appreciation for clearer streets.
If another storm hits before winter’s end, Devlin made clear enforcement will continue.
“Our goal is to expedite snow removal so all residents can return to normal routines, while prioritizing everyone’s safety.”
