Oakland Resident Wants Help In Reporting Illegal Parking In Rockridge Area

Carolyn Burgess has posted this letter for view by concerned Oaklanders:

Many of us have become concerned lately about illegal parking blocking the streets in our neighborhood. It is not just a nuisance, but a serious safety issue. If there were a fire like the recent one in Santa Rosa, for example, but the fire trucks could not get through, well, it’s best not to think about that. Let’s just work together to prevent it.

I have been communicating with Oakland Parking Enforcement (OPE), working for a solution; but I need your help. I have two easy favors to ask of you:

First, if you notice illegally parked cars in the Oakland Hills area, please let me know the approximate dates and times so I can effectively communicate the scope of the problem to the OPE. Remember, emergency vehicles need 10-14 feet to pass through a street.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, talk to your neighbors, especially with new ones who may not yet appreciate the implications and importance of the issue. If we communicate, work and stand together, then we can make a real difference for our neighborhood and each other.

The fire code 503.2.1 indicates there must be 20 feet of roadway width. One car or truck parked on the side of the road will take up between 5-8 feet. The Fire Department needs 10-14 feet for their trucks to pass by and snake their way, as is necessary, on our winding roads. This does not take into account if a “Hook and Ladder” Truck has to be brought in, which are 60 feet long.

Many of our houses are on roads far narrower than 20 feet. The NHCA and Oakland Firesafe volunteers measured the roads last year, attempting to make the city more aware of our concerns about emergency vehicle access, as well as our evacuation needs. So please give the first responders a break. Park like YOUR life depends on it…and theirs does too.