Weather could dictate Plum parking rules

Public works crews in Plum aim to clear snow-covered roads as quickly and safely as possible this winter.

In past years, however, the task has many times been complicated by vehicles parked on the side of the road.

Borough council could vote on an ordinance Monday night that would prohibit parked vehicles on all borough roads 24 hours before the National Weather Service predicts snow accumulation and 48 hours after enough snow falls that trucks are required to clear it.

"Every year, it is a problem," said Councilman Steven "Skip" Taylor. "People park on roads and complain when their vehicle gets plowed in. If we allow every citizen who wants to park in front of their house, the roads never get cleared."

Residents who do not have driveways would be able to obtain placards to put on their windshield indicating they have permission to park on the street. The borough plans to post no-parking/winter maintenance signs on roads designated by Public Works Director Bill Berchick.

Warnings will be issued for first-time violators. A second violation carries a $50 fine, a third a $100 fine, and a fourth a $300 fine.

Taylor favors exempting the elderly and sick from the ordinance.

"I'm all for making provisions for people who need it."

Monday night's council meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the borough building.