Parking and Traffic Safety

There are several laws and village ordinances pertaining to parking that we all need a reminder at times. Parking restrictions are put in place not only to promote safety in the community but also to foster consideration for everyone. Sometimes we don't give the parking laws as much regard as a moving violation, but they are just as important to the overall picture of traffic safety. Here are just a few reminders:

It is unlawful to park a motor vehicle with its driver's side tires to the curb. Motorists must park their cars with the passenger side tires to the curb, no more than 12 inches from the curb, except for diagonal parking spaces or one way streets. (Local Ordinance 10-19-103) While motorists may find parking on the left side of the roadway more convenient, especially when unloading packages on a residential street, this seemingly small infraction can be very dangerous. Oncoming traffic will not expect a vehicle to pull away from the curb in the wrong direction and pedestrians, especially children may step off the curb to cross the street, not expecting a vehicle to be traveling towards them from the opposite direction as well.

It is also unlawful to park in a fire lane either designated by a no parking sign or by a yellow painted curb. (Local Ordinance 10-19-103) Motorists should also refrain from parking across a public sidewalk or within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet from a fire hydrant. It is also unlawful to park within 50 feet of a rail crossing. (Local Ordinance 10-1303).

All traffic should yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and stop prior to entering the crosswalk when an intersection is controlled by a stop sign. (Local Ordinance 10-11-1204) Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way; however pedestrians also should take note not to suddenly leave the curb and walk out into oncoming traffic, but must wait until there is a clearing. (Local Ordinance 10-11-1002).

All residents are reminded that over night parking is prohibited year round from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Local Ordinance 10-19-106) and any time there is at least a 3 inch snowfall until which time Public Works employees have plowed the street (Local Ordinance 10-19-110).

If we take a few moments and follow these simple rules, we will all do our part to make the Village of Roselle a safer community.