Tonawanda, NY (WBEN) While some communities are holding off on overnight parking bans until later this month or early November, the City of Tonawanda has begun its overnight parking ban. The city's mayor says it's about keeping roads clear and safe.
Mayor John White says a big reason for the October 1st start to the overnight parking ban is because there's only one street sweeper in the city. "Honestly we don't get to a quarter of the streets because of the parking. When the leaves start coming down, and we don't get the leaves out properly, it's going to clog up the sewers. Now what's gonna happen when we get the rains, we get nothing but flooding," says White. He says he supports the council's decision because it is a safety issue.
White says reaction from residents has been split. "I checked with all of them just to get some conversation going and as you got closer, and it's pretty much split. You know, some agree with some don't," says White. White says aldermen spoke to the DPW and got input. He does say the issue can come up for discussion in 2023. "I see both sides, but for my emergency personnel, police and fire having those people off the street, I think I think for safety standpoint of view is a good idea," believes White.
As the season begins, White says police aren't quick to issue parking tickets to those parking on the streets overnight. "I talked to the chief and there's quite a few that we just let go with a warning," says White, with officers reminding them they cannot park in the street overnight. He says once those parking are repeat offenders, the tickets will be handed out.
Overnight parking is banned in the city of Tonawanda from 2am to 6am until March 31st.
