Ebensburg

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CHAPTER 11 – MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

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Chapter 11: Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations (Ebensburg, PA)

This document outlines the traffic, parking, and vehicle regulations for the Borough of Ebensburg. It is organized into nine parts covering general rules, traffic control, parking, vehicle removal, emergencies, pedestrians, and non-motorized vehicles.

Part 1: General Regulations

  • Definitions: "Street" and "highway" are used interchangeably. "Legal holidays" include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The term "parking meter" also applies to pay stations.
  • Adoption of Regulations: Permanent traffic and parking rules are enacted as ordinances. Temporary or emergency regulations can be established by the Chief of Police for events like fires, floods, or public processions.
  • Experimental Regulations: The Borough Council can test new traffic or parking rules for up to 90 days.
  • Police Authority: Police officers are authorized to direct traffic and enforce these regulations. The Chief of Police can also authorize the use of speed timing devices.
  • Parking Enforcement Officer: A dedicated officer is created to enforce all parking regulations under the supervision of the Chief of Police.

Part 2: Traffic Regulations

  • Traffic Signals: Signals are established at the intersections of Center & Highland Ave, Center & High St, High St & Ben Franklin Highway, and Rowena Dr & Manor Dr.
  • No Turn on Red: Right turns (and left turns from one-way to one-way) are prohibited on a steady red signal at the intersection of Center and High Streets for traffic traveling in all four directions.
  • One-Way Roadways: Several streets are designated as one-way, including:
    • Cherry Street (Northbound from High to Sample St; Southbound from High to Lloyd St)
    • Julian Street (Northbound from Sample to Highland Ave)
    • Ogle Street (Eastbound from Locust to Caroline St)
    • Spruce Street (Southbound from High to Lloyd St)
  • Stop Intersections: Numerous intersections are designated as stop-controlled. A full list is provided in the ordinance, covering streets such as Alpha Lane, Alton Street, Beech Street, and many others.
  • Public Lands: Operating a motor vehicle on Borough-owned public land requires permission from the property owner and a permit from the Chief of Police.
  • Snowmobile Roads: Specific roads are designated for snowmobile use, either exclusively when closed to cars or shared with vehicular traffic.

Part 3: General Parking Regulations

  • Marked Spaces: Vehicles must park wholly within marked lines.
  • No Parking Zones: Parking is prohibited at all times in specific locations, such as:
    • Bolton Street (North side between Caroline and Locust St)
    • East Alton Street (North side between Center and Caroline St)
    • Roberts Street (Both sides, entire length)
  • Time-Limited Parking: On posted streets and lots, parking is limited to specific times, often from December 1 to March 31. For example, on Union Street between Center and Locust St, parking is limited to 24 hours a day during this period.
  • Site-Specific Signs: Parking is prohibited where signs indicate "No Parking," "Bus Stop," "Loading Zone," etc.
  • Prohibited Locations: Parking is always prohibited within 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a traffic signal, in driveways, within 20 feet of a fire station entrance, and within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or intersection corner.
  • Loading/Unloading: Stopping on the roadway for loading/unloading is permitted Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a. m. -11:30 a. m. and 1:30 p. m. -4:00 p. m. for no longer than necessary.
  • Penalties: Violations are subject to a fine of up to $35.

Part 4: On-Street Metered Parking

  • Meter Zones: Metered zones are established on Center, High, Julian, North Cherry, and Sample Streets.
  • Hours of Operation: Meters are in operation from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. , Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays.
  • Rules: Vehicles must be parked wholly within marked spaces. It is unlawful to deposit substitutes for currency (e. g. , slugs) or to remain parked after the meter has expired.
  • Tampering: Tampering with a parking meter is unlawful.
  • Penalties:
    • A fine of $15 is assessed for most violations. If paid within 7 days, the violator avoids prosecution.
    • Failure to pay the $15 fine within 30 days results in a citation and a potential fine of $35 plus costs upon conviction.
    • Tampering with a meter can result in a fine of up to $600 and/or 30 days imprisonment.

Part 5: Off-Street Metered Parking

  • Metered Lots: Four lots are established: County Lot, Borough Leased Lot, Penn Eben Lot, and Prave Lot.
  • Hours of Operation: All lots operate Monday through Friday from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. , excluding legal holidays.
  • Vehicle Types: Lots are for passenger cars, vans, and pickup trucks only.
  • Handicapped Parking: Reserved spaces may be provided for vehicles with proper handicapped or disabled veteran plates/placards.
  • Penalties: Similar to on-street parking, a $15 fine is assessed for most violations, with increased penalties for non-payment or tampering.

Part 6: Removal and Impoundment

  • Authority: The Borough can remove and impound vehicles parked illegally or in a manner that interferes with traffic.
  • Tow-Away Zones: Designated zones include all parking lots under §11-501 and the lot at 300 West High Street.
  • Storage: Vehicles are taken to approved storage garages that are bonded and have liability insurance.
  • Reclamation Costs: To reclaim a vehicle, the owner must pay towing and storage costs plus a $25 fee ($10 of which goes to the state).
  • Unclaimed Vehicles: If a vehicle is unclaimed after 30 days, it may be transferred to a licensed salvor for disposal.

Part 7: Snow and Ice Emergency

  • Declaration: A snow emergency can be declared by the Chief of Police, Mayor, or Borough Manager.
  • Restrictions: During an emergency, it is unlawful to park on designated snow emergency routes or to drive on them unless the vehicle has snow tires or chains.
  • Penalties: Violations are subject to a fine of up to $35.

Part 8: Pedestrian Regulations

  • Obeying Signals: Pedestrians must obey official traffic-control signals.
    • Green: May proceed across the roadway in a crosswalk.
    • Steady Yellow: Shall not start to cross.
    • Steady Red: Shall not enter the roadway.
  • "Don't Walk" Signal: Pedestrians facing a steady or flashing "Don't Walk" signal shall not start to cross. Those already in the roadway should proceed to a sidewalk or safety zone.
  • Penalties: Violations are a summary offense with a fine of $5 and costs.

Part 9: Pedalcycles and Nonmotorized Vehicles

  • Sleds: It is unlawful to ride a sled on any sidewalk or roadway unless the street is blocked off for sledding.
  • Skates/Skateboards/Coasters: It is unlawful to use these on any street (except to cross) or on any sidewalk in the central business district.
  • Penalties: Violations are subject to a fine of $5 and costs.
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