DRIVERS face fines of $100 for simply parking on the street – in a rule that applies to all driveways.
A change to a major city’s parking ordinance could cause a host of issues for motorists – but comes after some homeowners complained of being “trapped”.
Drivers in US city face fines of $100 for simply parking on the street[/caption]
These citations are standard parking tickets, with fines ranging from $20 to $100[/caption]
The rule change prohibits parking within two feet of any public or private driveway[/caption]
According to LinkNKY, residents of Fort Mitchell, a city in Kenton County, Kentucky, have recently seen a change to their parking laws that matches nearby cities Park Hills, Taylor Mill, Independence, Fort Wright, Fort Thomas, Covington and Erlanger.
The ruling now prohibits parking within two feet of any public or private driveway.
This comes as police and city officials faced an increase in complaints over driveways being blocked by parked cars.
“We changed up the ordinance to allow the police to issue citations for this offense,” Mayor Jude Hehman told reporters recently.
“If someone is trapped in their driveway, we can do something about it now.”
Indeed, many locals experienced having their driveways blocked across the city – meaning they were unable to leave or enter their property.
But now, the updated ordinance empowers the police to issue parking citations to violators.
These citations are standard parking tickets, with fines ranging from $20 to $100 – in line with similar rules found in other cities in Kenton County.
In cities like Park Hills, Taylor Mill, Independence and Fort Wright, for example, parking is prohibited directly in front of driveways.
Fort Thomas and Covington require a two-foot space between a parked car and any driveway, similar to Fort Mitchell’s new rule.
Erlanger has a stricter rule, requiring cars to park at least eight feet away from driveways.
The Fort Mitchell Police Department will begin issuing citations based on the new ordinance immediately.
This comes as a man in Leawood, Kansas, recently revealed his driveway has begun to crumble – just months after it was poured.
Concerningly, this could be a widespread problem across the US with the widespread issue seemingly a result of a new cement mix called Portland 1L, which requires stricter standards for care and pouring.
Bill Keith, a homeowner from Leawood, believes his newly laid drive should’ve lasted for up to 30 years.
According to a worrying recent report by FOX4, a number of homeowners in Missouri have been dealing with crumbling driveways.
And that coverage caught the attention of Keith, who reached out to the network to reveal he’s experienced the same problem.
“After I saw your story, I was like that’s us,” said Keith.
“Hopefully together we can get a positive resolution.”
Builders have been reportedly unaware of the switch to this new cement mix, which has led to premature driveway deterioration.
Will Ruder, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, said: “What we have learned is that the 1L concrete is less forgiving.
“So there really has to be a tighter set of standards regarding how it is cared for and how ultimately it is poured.”
Is it illegal to use someone’s driveway to turn around?
Though driveways are considered private property, it may be difficult to prove a driver is in the wrong if they use it for a turnaround, according to legal experts.
Unless a crime is committed by the person using the driveway to turn around or damage is done, it’s bothersome, but not illegal.
“Generally it’s not going to be illegal,” wrote Daniel Lee O’Neil, a litigation lawyer in Texas.
“Unless they are using your driveway to commit a felony drug sale the police are generally not going to be that interested in the matter.”
It’s recommended that homeowners place signs warning against using their driveways or politely ask neighbors to U-turn elsewhere before calling the police.
Source: AVVO
