19 CITED FOR ILLEGALLY PARKING ON SNOW ROUTE

WEST CHESTER»Dozens of vehicles were parked illegally on borough snow emergency routes during Wednesday’s snow storm.

Vehicles were forbidden from being parked on snow emergency routes from 8 a.m. Wednesday through midnight. On Wednesday morning, 19 vehicle owners were cited.

Snow did not start falling until well after the ban was enacted. Mayor Dianne Herrin said there was a “lag” and some residents chose to park illegally.

Since borough offices were closed due to the weather, regular parking enforcers had the day off.

Police were out in “full force” writing tickets, Herrin said. She said some residents were dismayed that on street parking was made more difficult after the storm ended since the streets were not plowed to the curb.

Borough Manager Mike Perrone asked residents to respect their neighbors.

“It would be nice if people would observe the signs so everyone could have the benefit of having the snow removed on their particular block that serve as emergency routes for police cars, fire trucks and ambulances.

“We will ensure that the borough has sufficient resources available the next time a snow emergency is declared,” Herrin said. “The Borough will ensure the proper procedures are in place before we issue another snow emergency. Hopefully that will be next season!”

PETE BANNAN-DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A snow emergency sign on East Market St. in West Chester reminds motorists snow tires or chains are required and there is no parking on that street in snows of over four inches during a snow emergency.