The Town of Williamstown has heard from residents about safety concerns related to how lawn care and landscaping trucks with equipment trailers are sometimes parked along local roadways.
When a vehicle blocks a full lane of travel, oncoming drivers often can’t see around it to know whether it’s safe to pass — and cyclists and pedestrians are put at even greater risk in these situations.
This isn’t just a courtesy issue — it’s also a matter of Town bylaw. Williamstown bylaws require that on-street parking leave “a clear and unobstructed lane at least 10 feet wide for passing traffic,” meaning at least 10 feet of clear width in each direction, or 20 feet total on a two-way street. Landscaping crews that block a full lane may receive a warning or citation from local police.
Here’s how homeowners and renters can help: if your driveway can accommodate it, let your landscaping crew know they’re welcome to park there while they work, rather than pulling onto the road. A quick conversation with your landscaper can go a long way toward keeping your street safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.