In regards to problems with the turbulent weather this past winter, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors is advertising two separate ordinances as of Tuesday evening in order to institute new policies and clear up confusion regarding the parking, towing and removal of vehicles in times of snow emergencies.
Township Solicitor Lauren Gallagher spoke of an ordinance amending Chapter 203 titled ‘Vehicles and Traffic‘ on July 15 at the monthly supervisors meeting.
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The chapter outlines new procedures for the township and residents in the event of weather conditions, in an effort to better clarify issues that occurred during the rough winter the county and the township experienced this past winter season.
In the event of severe weather conditions, the ordinance gives the right to any township designee to declare an emergency, in which it will be unlawful during the period for any person to park any vehicle throughout the township.
Even without the declaration of an emergency, parking on township roads would be prohibited when snow levels have reached an accumulation of two inches. Parking, according to the ordinance, is prohibited for 12 hours after the snow has passed or when the street is cleared of all snow and ice, whatever occurs last.
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In the event that vehicles have not been removed off roads, the Township Manager, the Chief of Police, and/or an authorized designee has the authority to call any wrecker for towing assistance, according to pending Chapter 206 titled ‘Wreckers‘.
Gallagher noted that this ordinance would also require towers to notify the owner of the vehicle of its location and to abide by the township standards for towing fees.
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This ordinance according to the board was in an effort to settle issues that occurred last winter when resident vehicles were towed without their acknowledgment, and many residents had trouble locating their towed vehicles.
As of press time, the two ordinances are just being advertised and the board is scheduled to vote on them at the next meeting, scheduled for August 20.
