Township in a rut over tractor-trailer parking

WEST CHESTER TWP. – An increasing problem with tractor-trailers parking along both sides of Shepherd Farm Drive and Wunnenberg Way has officials here considering a no parking zone on the roads.

It was in 2014 that township police Chief Joel Herzog first noticed one tractor-trailer that parked there – occasionally overnight.

That single truck grew to dozens that began parking their rigs on both roads – sometimes for a weekend or even a week. Last November two of the truckers got into a dispute with one hitting another with a pipe.

It has gotten so bad – oftentimes rigs are parked on both sides of the roads – that emergency vehicles have a hard time getting through and it has become a safety problem.

“Sight distance is visually blocked," Herzog said. “Motorists) can’t see oncoming traffic.”

Business owners are also concerned and spoke out Tuesday during a public hearing on the proposed no parking zone.

“The biggest issue is safety. I’ve almost been hit two times,” said Dr. Stephen Uhl, who has his office on Wunnenberg Way. “Yes, it’s unsightly and (trucks) have no business being there.”

Randy Grimes has noticed large cracks in the roadway where the trucks have been parking.

And Dr. Joe Lindeman said it is not unusual for the truckers to use business restrooms.

Herzog said most of those parking along the road – legally – are independent truckers or moving vans who are not doing business in the area.

Township Administrator Judi Boyko said crews have begun to see ruts in the pavement because the roads weren’t constructed for the weight of the trucks.

Trustees are expected to vote on the matter at their April 12 meeting. If approved, the no parking zone would take effect 30 days later, Boyko said.