• Release ID: 08-099
• Release Date: 6/24/2008
• Contact: Carmen Berrios 240-777-7947
• From: Office of Mike Knapp

Council President Knapp Seeks Limits on Parking for Commercial Vehicles, RVs, Buses

Bill 27-08 Introduced on Tuesday, June 24, Would Limit Parking in Certain Conditions on Neighborhood Streets

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 24, 2008 – Montgomery County Council President Mike Knapp on Tuesday, June 24, introduced a bill before the Council that would prohibit the parking of commercial vehicles, buses and recreational vehicles on a public roadway under most conditions. The bill addresses the proliferation of these vehicles on many neighborhood streets, and in some circumstances, affecting safety on the streets because they overwhelm sightlines.

Bill 27-08 would prohibit the parking of commercial vehicles, buses and recreational vehicles on a public roadway if either side of the street abuts a block containing a private residence, apartment house, church, school, hospital or playground, except under certain circumstances. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for July 22.

The bill would allow recreational vehicles to be parked on a road for up to 12 hours. This exception was added so that people can load or unload vehicles such as campers, RVs and boats. Currently, some vehicles are parked on neighborhood roadways because homeowners’ association prohibits the parking of the vehicles on association streets. In some other cases, homeowners either do not have driveways or areas on their property large enough to park their vehicles.

Making roads safe for all drivers and pedestrians is the main thrust behind the legislation.

During public meetings, Councilmember Knapp heard concerns from residents that large vehicles were limiting the line of sight on roads and making it difficult to make turns on narrow neighborhood streets. Additionally, large vehicles endanger pedestrians because they cannot be seen by drivers. They also create safety issues because predators can hide and be unseen in between the large vehicles. Residents mentioned that large vehicles are using parking that was designed to supplement parking for personal vehicles of residents in these neighborhoods, as some neighborhoods have limited parking for residents under normal circumstances

Councilmember Knapp has worked very closely with Montgomery County Police, who also have had concerns about the parking of oversized vehicles on some roads. Councilmember Knapp has hosted two community meetings on the parking problems, with more than 100 people turning out for one of the meetings.

“We understand the issue has several sides and we are not looking to ban these vehicles from our County. We are just looking for better parking options that work for everyone,” said Councilmember Knapp. “The reality is that County roads in residential neighborhoods were not designed to safely allow for long-term storage of large recreational or commercial vehicles. In the case of commercial vehicles, we know we need the businesses associated with those vehicles. We just need to find an alternative place for them to park their vehicles overnight. They do not belong in residential neighborhoods. As we advance this legislation, we welcome any suggestions and possible solutions the public and commercial vehicle owners may have.”

» Return to Press Release