Full Notification

The Huron Township Department of Public Safety has received multiple complaints regarding parking violations throughout the township, but most specifically at our schools. For several years, we have attempted to fix the issue through public education. We have spent numerous hours during this time period assigning our fire and patrol staff to address violations through high visibility and community education, while giving out warnings instead of citations. We have also published educational warnings through social media as well as numerous school publications. Unfortunately, this has not been effective as we would have liked.

We have recently received numerous complaints that the issue was worsening and altercations were occurring between those there to pick up their children. We once again published multiple communications informing the public that we will have a zero tolerance policy on parking violations and issue citations to offenders. We have had officers in school parking lots at both pick up and drop off times almost daily. We have been very visible and issuing citations, hoping that the issue would correct itself. However, the issue continues and I once again attempt to address the situation through public communication.

I realize that this communication may be scrutinized by some who believe we are only out to issue citations. That is not the case and if it were, we would not be sending communication in an attempt to have the violations stop.

Many will blame the schools and say that there is not enough parking. I will counter that argument by saying that a very high percentage of the violations occur when proper spots are open , but not used. Regardless of any way a person may validate parking in a handicap or fire lane spot, there is absolutely no excuse to take a spot from a person that truly needs it or to impede our fire department's response during a time where seconds and minutes could be crucial. While I agree that it can be hectic during pick up and drop off times, there are many ways to accomplish pick-up or drop-off without compromising the safety of others.

Regarding illegal passing of school buses, we remain committed to addressing this issue. Randomly, undercover officers are on school buses to address violators. Also, marked and unmarked officers are following buses and addressing violators. Citations were issued for this as recently as yesterday on Sibley Road. Please educate your family, especially teen drivers about the this issue.

I realize that this post will face scrutiny by some. However, we will never compromise the safety of our children. In partnership with our school districts, we will do all we can to enforce safety laws by addressing violators. I ask everyone to assist me in getting this word out by sharing this post. Our success always comes from partnership with our community stakeholders and I ask once again for your help. Thank you for allowing us the honor to be a part of this great community.

Respectfully,

Everette Robbins, Huron Township Department of Public Safety.