Huntley Cops Crack Down on Vehicles Blocking Sidewalks

Huntley police are cracking down on vehicles parked in driveways that block sidewalks, Police Chief John Perkins said.

The department has received complaints from pedestrians and bicyclists about vehicles parking across the sidewalk, Perkins said. Huntley has an ordinance prohibiting parking across public sidewalks so police will begin aggressively enforcing the ordinance starting this month, he said.

Officers will start giving warning tickets, he said. A regular ticket carries a $25 fine. Huntley police have been sending out emails and put information on the village’s website about the ordinance.

Pedestrians, especially parents pushing strollers, find it inconvenient to run across a car blocking the sidewalk, Perkins said. The pedestrian has to either walk on the grass or in the street, which creates an unsafe situation, he said. Bicyclists face the same frustration, he said.

The situation is happening all over town, Perkins said.

Police will work to educate residents about the ordinance and enforce it.

Huntley police are working with people who have no choice but to have vehicles jut out onto the sidewalk, he said. There are situations where families have more than two cars or have large vans for handicapped children, he said.

He said police are trying to find a good solution for everyone.

Perkins will be evaluating the situation and may consider requesting the village board amend Huntley’s overnight parking ordinance to accommodate residents.