Cars illegally parked on
Spencerport school campus to be towed

Concerned over the safety hazard of cars illegally parked in bus loops at schools, Spencerport Central School District officials say a private contractor has been hired to start towing cars at owner's expense as of February 16.

"We are experiencing a lot of cars parked in the bus loops of every building, primarily after school hours and on weekends. This is presenting a serious emergency access hazard," said John Britton, Spencerport Director of Facilities in a district press release.

"Bus loops" are actually the designated Emergency Access Lane for fire trucks, ambulances, police cars as well as buses. Cars illegally parked can hinder emergency personnel from reaching the buildings - and people. Cars driving in the bus loop are a violation of New York State law and present a hazard to students boarding and leaving buses, Britton stated in the press release.

During peak periods, the school has posted security officers at schools, especially Cosgrove Middle School and Spencerport High School. "While security is present, people grudgingly obey the officers," Britton said in the submitted material. Even though the areas have clear signs, "the problem hasn't diminished. Towing is our last resort."

All the schools have designated drop-off zones which are separate from the bus loop, Britton said.

For information about parking at Spencerport schools, call 349-5000.