Bristol Twp. Cracks Down on Those Parking in Street During Snow Emergency

Citing complaints from residents and plow operators alike, Bristol Township police ticketed about 80 vehicles parked on public streets during Thursday’s snow storm.

Officers stepped up enforcement of the township’s snow emergency ordinance and made sure cars, trailers and boats were clear for them when plow crews came through.

Throughout the first portion of the storm, which dumped close to a foot of snow, only one car and one boat had to be towed, Acting Chief of Police Lt. John Godzieba said.

Officers went through the Bristol and the Levittown sections of the township checking for vehicles buried during the snow storm, some appeared to be untouched during recent storms. Mercy was shown to some with hardships and officers were more likely to ask somebody to remove their vehicle than cite them.

As the acting chief toured the township to see if residents were complying, he stopped at a home Valley Road in Levittown which had several snow-covered cars in the street. The township police veteran spoke with the homeowner and explained why the vehicles needed to be moved. No ticket was issued and the residents vowed to make the road was made clear for township plow crews.

“I asked [the officers] to try to knock on doors,” Godzieba said. “We want people to move their cars for the plows. They can put them back once the road is clear. We just want people to use common sense.”

Police used comments posted on social media and complaints they received in addition to patrols to find problem streets.

“I think most of the residents understand,” Godzieba said. “If cars aren’t moved, it becomes a big problem for the plows. They ask, ‘where am I going to put the snow.”

Smaller roads with cars parked on them during plow operations also can cause problems for first responders handling calls. Fire trucks and ambulances can have a difficult time navigating tight tight streets when time is of the essence.

“It’s looking good. Thank you,” a man shoveling on Woodlawn Drive said when Godzieba asked if the road was clear. The acting chief said the road had previously been a problem spot.

Godzieba said most residents were respectful and showed little resistance when officers requested they move their cars. The owner of the vehicle that was towed was a repeat offender and was upset when police removed his vehicle.