Trucks may be banned from parking in the city

This week there will be a vote on a controversial proposal that would ban drivers from parking a semi truck in the city.

On June 23, the Minneapolis Transportation and Public Works Committee will vote on a regulation that will ban trucking parking within the city, with a few exceptions.

The regulation states that “no vehicle, loaded or unloaded, that weighs more than twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds or is registered for a gross weight of more than twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds, shall  be permitted to stop, stand, or park on any street unless one of the following exceptions is met”.

• During loading or unloading passengers.

• When the vehicle is stopped, parked, or stands in accordance with specially posted signals or signs regulating the weight of the vehicle or combination, or at the directions of an authorized traffic control agent or police officer.

The fine for violation of the proposed parking ban will be $ 150 from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Later, the fine would increase to $ 250.

The Minnesota Trucking Association issued a statement in which drivers oppose the truck parking ban. They are sure that the ban will force truck drivers to park outside the city, that will impedeon-time deliveries and disrupt daily commerce. Due to the severe shortage of safe truck parking options in all states, many qualified drivers may leave the industry.

The MTA encourages drivers to sign up and speak out against the ordinance.