Drivers who opt to use their yards for parking will now face a significant $50 fine, as officials launch an initiative to tackle a long-standing issue that has affected city streets for decades.
The new parking fines were recently approved and will be implemented starting from August 1st.
The Omaha City Council in Nebraska has passed regulations granting police the authority to issue fines to drivers who park their vehicles on their lawns, as reported by local ABC affiliate KETV.
The ordinance was approved on April 9th, and enforcement by police will commence on August 1st.
Under the new rules, drivers found violating these parking regulations will be subject to a $50 fine.
Garry Gernandt, a former city council member, proposed similar laws during his tenure on the board after observing vehicles being parked on front lawns.
“This has been a problem since 1969, I can assure you,” Gernandt informed the station. “It’s been haunting the city for the last two to four years.”
Several driveways in both north and south neighborhoods of the city have switched to gravel driveways, which offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive cement options.
Local residents argued that the new law would unfairly target drivers with limited financial means.
“I’m concerned that this policy might put South Omaha residents in a difficult situation,” said Jenny Synowicki, an Omaha resident, regarding the new law. “Have we thoroughly considered the implications of such a strict policy?”
Their concerns were heard, leading the city to legally permit the use of gravel driveways.
Additionally, police expressed reservations about the policy change, citing an existing shortage of officers that could be exacerbated by enforcing this new regulation.
“While it may seem like a minor violation, the reality is that most city departments are already short-staffed, and complaints continue to accumulate,” explained Patrick Dempsey, a representative of the Omaha Police Officer’s Association.
However, there are exceptions to the new rules. Vehicles such as cars, trucks, and RVs parked on residential lots must be placed on pavement by mid-summer, although certain drivers are exempt.
Drivers with valid handicap stickers, construction permits for loading and unloading, and during holidays, will be exempt from fines.
Additionally, venues with limited parking availability are also exempt from these rules.
Photo credit: Getty
