Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department The snow season often brings questions about snow removal. Clearing of sidewalks is always a lively topic of discussion. Fortunately, our Christmas rainstorm assisted everyone in this department, although we know more snow and ice is on the way. I was asked to remind people about this important topic. Our Town By-Laws, Article Eight Section Four, is the rule covering this situation. This law requires every owner, tenant, or occupant of a building abutting a finished sidewalk, to keep the area free from many substances, including snow and ice. These areas should be cleared during the period when the snowplows have completed the major removal of snow during a storm and before the slush/snow can freeze and become ice. Generally, sometime within twenty-four hours after a storm's end is the prime opportunity to perform this task. Penalties for a failure to clear sidewalks can be twenty dollars per day. To assist with pedestrian safety, we are reminding people to keep the sidewalks in front of your property clear of snow and ice this winter season. This is extremely important to limit the number of pedestrians on the travel portion of the roads. We wish to avoid fines and penalties for property owners and thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and assistance. There are many people who are physically unable to perform the task of shoveling their sidewalk. As a community service, students from the Shepherd Hill High National Honor Society have volunteered to clear the sidewalks of the elderly or disabled individuals free of charge within 48 hours of a storm. I thank them once again for this service which not only assists the property owner but also the public who uses the sidewalks every day. If you are in this category, need assistance, and wish to take advantage of this service, please contact Henry at 774-239-0464, or School Resource Officer Phil Megas at 508-943-6700. |
It is always important to remember the challenges of driving and walking on the streets during this time of the year. Drivers may not see pedestrians as easily due to darkness, extreme sun, or severe weather. Pedestrians must be aware of the difficulties and dangers when on the road. This does not mean to ignore the basic safety rules of looking both ways and always paying attention to the possibility of cars. Many side streets, dead ends, or other lightly traveled locations allow for a more relaxed approach by some people. Do not let this happen. Vehicles may come from anywhere, so it is always important to treat these locations with the proper amount of caution. Sharing the road and respecting each other’s use of it will limit accidents and injuries.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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