Hilltown Township. Photo by James Short.
Hilltown Township officials have declared a snow emergency ahead of a major winter storm expected to impact the region this weekend, putting parking and driving restrictions into effect on designated roadways.
According to the township, the snow emergency will begin at noon Saturday and remain in effect until 7 p.m. Monday.
The declaration was issued under Snow Emergency Ordinance No. 2016-004 and is intended to help crews clear roads safely while allowing emergency vehicles and essential traffic to move through the township.
During the declared emergency, parking is prohibited on all snow emergency routes, and vehicles left in violation may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. In addition, drivers are prohibited from traveling on snow emergency routes unless their vehicles are properly equipped, including all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, snow tires, chains, or all-weather tires.
Under the township code, the Hilltown Township Manager has the authority to declare a snow emergency, or the Chief of Police may do so in the manager’s absence. Police are authorized to enforce the ordinance and remove vehicles if necessary to protect public safety and assist with snow removal operations.
Violations of the snow emergency ordinance carry serious penalties. Parking or driving in violation of the restrictions can result in a summary offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, plus court costs, according to township code.
Each day a violation continues may be charged as a separate offense, and failure to pay fines could result in up to 90 days in jail, according to township code.
Township officials urged residents to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and keep snow emergency routes clear to allow plow trucks and emergency responders to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
