Monday, February 2, 2009

For all those who block sidewalks when parking

Consult Section VIII of the Salem Revised Code, Chapter 95, Section 700:
95.700. Pedestrian Interference.

(a) No person shall block or interfere with, or attempt to block or interfere with, any other person along a public sidewalk by any means, including but not limited to standing on that part of the sidewalk used for pedestrian travel or placing any object or vehicle in such area, with the intent to interfere with free passage.
Odd, that "with the intent to interfere with free passage" bit. A judge might say that simply parking in your driveway does not constitute pedestrian interference because there's no showing of "intent to interfere with free passage." On the other hand, a judge might find that parking across the sidewalk -- the public thoroughfare -- night after night is so completely careless for the public's right to use the sidewalk that it would allow a finding of intent to interfere . . . .

Maybe it would just be better for all concerned if nobody parked so that they were blocking the sidewalks.

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