Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department Even though we have enjoyed some unusually warm weather recently, none of us truly believe this will last forever. This time of year, we prepare for the bad four-letter word that begins with S, Snow. Winter is just around the corner. Let’s hope for it to be uneventful. Before it begins in all its glory, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind residents of the winter parking regulations once again. Plowing and sanding is always a concern of our local Highway Superintendent, Mr. Jeff Murray. Many people are unaware of the difficulties involved in keeping the streets clear. I hope to provide everyone with a little further information. Article 280 Section 3 of Dudley’s By-laws authorizes the towing of vehicles interfering with snow removal. When an emergency is declared, vehicles are not allowed to park on any Town controlled way if they interfere with snow or ice removal operations. The Superintendent of Streets may remove or cause to be removed any vehicle interfering with this operation. For snow removal purposes, any accumulation can enact this provision. In most instances, a prediction of two inches or more, will result in the parking ban. Your vehicle can be towed. We will make every effort to notify residents of the parking ban as early as possible. This usually includes reverse “911” calls, social media posts, and media notifications. People can also call our department at 508-943-4411, or check the Dudleyma.gov web site, whenever there may be a question. Street parking is not only an issue in densely populated areas. During storms, it can be a problem on many dead ends or lesser traveled roads. Some people will park cars on the street in advance of a storm, to have their driveway clear for their own plowing. Ironically, the Town is trying to keep the roads free of vehicles for the same purpose. When plow trucks are forced to plow around parked vehicles, it creates ice problems and other hazards. The highway workers must return at another time to complete the operation. This situation doubles efforts and wastes time, fuel, and money. I am encouraging all residents to voluntarily comply with these restrictions and assist the Town employees with providing safe roads on which to travel. The last thing anyone wants is their vehicle towed. We wish to avoid this as well. In addition, people do not wish to be responsible for an accident or injury. Your cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated. |
As a reminder, our department is collecting Christmas gift donations for local families in need. New and unwrapped toys and clothing can be brought to the Dudley Police Department at 71 West Main Street. Of certain need in the past were gifts for children between the ages of 10 – 17 years old. Monetary donations are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to the “Dudley Police Association” with a special note for the Holiday Drive. All contributions are for Dudley families, and anything left over is given to local charities, such as Webster-Dudley Food Share. The Dudley Police thank everyone in advance for their continued generosity. Anything you can give will help bring some happiness to those who would otherwise go without during this holiday season.
We continue to experience issues with our Facebook account, and we hope to have this corrected soon. 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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