HOMEOWNERS in a chilly US state are facing restrictions that prevent them from shovelling snow off their driveways.
A new ordinance amendment has come into force to stop people from blocking roads and sidewalks with snow – but could mean shovelling snow becomes an even trickier chore.
Residents in a US city have been banned from shovelling snow from their driveways into the street[/caption]
Snow now joins the list of obstructions that aren’t allowed on roads and walkways, which includes garbage, boxes, trucks, oil and more[/caption]
According to Oil City News, the change comes as rule-makers look to improve the safety of roadways and walkways in the city of Casper, Wyoming.
It officially prevents snow from being shoveled into public rights-of-way – in the hope of reducing the burden of the city’s plowing crews.
But it can also help improve general safety for pedestrians, motorists and city employees.
City manager Carter Napier said the ordinance applies to sidewalks on all streets and even includes side streets that aren’t plowed by the city.
Speaking about the ordinance, Casper’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Brauer, said: “At times, residential and commercial property owners push snow into public rights-of-way, increasing the burden on City crews and creating hazards for vehicles, pedestrians, and plowing operations.”
Snow is now officially added to the list of obstructions that aren’t allowed on roads and walkways, which already included garbage, boxes, trucks, oil and more.
Wyoming is known as one of the coldest states in the US, with geography that strongly contributes to its cold climate – including high elevations and mountainous regions experiencing lower temperatures.
Strong winds also exacerbate the feeling of cold and can make it feel even colder than the actual temperature.
TOW THE LINE
This comes as a new rule coming into force in Newport, Oregon, in a matter of weeks, sees drivers risk having their cars towed away without any notice.
It means the city’s police department will be given the power to boot or even impound vehicles – even if it has just a single unpaid parking citation outstanding for more than 45 days.
Police can use a parking boot on those found to have long-overdue or multiple unpaid parking citations – from August 1.
This can happen, without notice, if just one unpaid parking citation is outstanding for over 45 days, or has four or more unpaid parking violations.
To avoid this happening, car owners are encouraged to pay outstanding fines before the program begins.
The rule, coming to Newport, Oregon, is governed by Newport Municipal Code, chapter 6.50.015.
Elsewhere, across North Carolina, the predatory towing industry is reaching the end of the road as a strict new rule is coming into force that will ban tow companies from hooking certain vehicles.
The new law, which is set to come into effect on December 1, prohibits using a boot or any other immobilization device on commercial trucks for the purpose of parking enforcement.
anyone found in violation of the law can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor.
It comes as, in recent times, tow truck companies have turned toward booting tractor trailers – simply due to the lack of regulation.
One truck driver, Nicolas Bedney, revealed to reporters in 2021 how he was booted and then towed, later claiming the ordeal set him back thousands of pounds – a cost that’s often passed onto consumers.
He added: “This law not only saves money for the truck driver in terms of attorneys and hotels, it might save lives.”
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it’s essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
Read more here.
