Snow & Ice Removal
Section 340.260 Traffic Emergency Regulations.
A. Driving Emergency. When snow, sleet or freezing rain is causing slippery or hazardous conditions which might lead to serious traffic congestion, the Chief of Police, or designated officer in charge then on duty, may declare a traffic emergency; and until such is terminated, no vehicle shall be operated on any emergency route as defined in Subsection (C) without first having equipped such vehicle with effective skid chains or snow tires, excepting that vehicles with dual wheels need not be equipped with skid chains or snow tires.
B. Parking Emergency.
1. Whenever snow has accumulated or there is a possibility that snow will be accumulated to such a depth that snow removal operations will be required, the Chief of Police or designated officer then on duty may declare a parking emergency, and until such an emergency is terminated, no vehicle shall be parked on any emergency route as defined in Subsection (C).
2. All vehicles parked on such emergency routes must be removed within two (2) hours after declaration of emergency or be considered in violation of this Section.
C. Designation Of Emergency Routes. Emergency routes are defined as: All public streets within the City limits are designated as emergency routes for the purpose of this Section.
D. Penalty For Violation. Any operator who violates subsection A or subsection B shall be subject to the general penalty provisions in Section 300.030.
E. Towing. Vehicles in violation of Subsections (A) or (B) may be towed and the vehicle can be recovered only upon satisfaction of the provisions of this Section regarding vehicles towed from the street by the Police Department.
F. Uniform Enforcement. Since the City of Pleasant Valley is bounded by other cities, mainly Kansas City, and in the interest of uniformity and to make notice available, the residents and others in Pleasant Valley can consider the media notice of any snow emergency under the first (1st) phase of the Kansas City Ordinance as an additional notice that Pleasant Valley has declared its snow emergency and both Subsections (A) and (B) of this Section are in effect.
How Residents Can Help
Residents can make it easier on crews during winter storms by parking vehicles in driveways when possible. This makes it safer and more efficient for our City crews to plow the streets when vehicles are not parked in the roadways.
Snow Removal & Public Safety Tips
Here are some other tips to help expedite snow removal and ensure public safety. If you don’t have to get out and drive, don’t. If you have to drive in winter weather conditions, consider the following:
- Stay back from the rear of the plow truck so the driver can see you.
- Don’t pass snow plows and salt trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
- Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least 3 times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
- Have an emergency/safety kit in the car in case of a breakdown or accident (with flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, basic first aid kit, etc.)
- Try to limit your driving during winter storms. The fewer cars on the roadways, makes it easier for efficient snow removal.
- In the event you’re in a non-emergency accident and your vehicle is still drivable, you’re encouraged to drive to safety.
- Children are attracted to snowplow trucks. Teach your children to stay behind the sidewalks when they see the trucks coming.
- To avoid windrows (the line of snow often left by the plows along your driveway), shovel the area to the right of your driveway (as you’re facing your house).
- If you have a fire hydrant near your property be sure to remove snow from around it to assist fire personnel in the event of a fire.
- Remember to clear sidewalks adjacent to your property.