Elgin parking bans have mixed results, so far

Elgin residents are taking a while to warm up to an even-odd day trial parking schedule, but a ban on large commercial vehicles parking overnight in residential areas seems to be working.

In July, city leaders decided to fine people $50 for parking large commercial vehicles, trailers and vans weighing more than 8,000 overnight on residential streets.

Driveways are OK, as are vehicles with Illinois "B" license plates.

Since Aug. 1, the city has issued 10 notices but no citations, said Jerry Deering, the city's community development director.

"Very few complaints are coming in about the (commercial) vehicles at this point. Either the word is out or we simply haven't caught up to them yet," he said. "It wasn't this huge thing. It's something that's been an annoyance here and there over the years."

The city has 10 code enforcement officers who work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, which coincides with the time when many of the violators would still be at work.

Deering said enforcement is primarily up to homeowners, and complaints can be made at all hours by calling (847) 931-5920.

City officials say the parking regulation is for aesthetics, property values and safety.

Meanwhile, the even-odd parking trial aims to make leaf collection faster and snow removal more efficient.

Four neighborhoods - Randall Ridge, the southern part of Cobblers Crossing, the Gifford and Summit park area and Southwest Area Neighbors Association region up to Gertrude Street - have the even-odd schedule from midnight to 5 p.m. from September through March 2009.

RuthAnne Hall, management analyst for the city, said police officers were handing out an average of 300 warnings and informational brochures when the rules took effect Sept. 1.

Hall said officials have held neighborhood meetings and with other agencies to spread the word. The daily warning count stands at about 100.

But by Wednesday, Oct. 1, the grace period will be over.

"The next step in the parking trial is the issuing of $50 citations. That begins next week," Hall said. "No one enjoys getting a parking ticket, but the reality is that for some residents that might be the message they need."

If successful, councilmen may expand the even-odd schedule to the entire city for 2009.