With travelers going to and coming from neighboring Texas, a southeast New Mexico town is trying to crack down on large trucks parking on the side of the road.
Officials note that it causes danger for other drivers and is a growing problem in the city of Hobbs, a recent KRQE report said.
"We are a gateway city, but we even have the issue with residents in this area, and it’s just because out of ease, I think, and convenience,” Meghan Mooney, City of Hobbs communications director, told KRQE.
Semis, trailers and other large trucks are found on the side of the road, causing issues for drivers.
“While we greatly appreciate the time, hard work, and commitment of all of our heavy truck drivers and haulers in this community, we also want to ensure the safety of all in the community,” Mooney said.
The City of Hobbs has drafted a new ordinance that would prohibit the parking of large vehicles and trailers on the side of the road in the city, the KRQE report said. The City drafted a similar ordinance that was originally planned in 2019, but due to the wording it never passed. This time around, the new ordinance has been cleaned up, spelling out how trucks can park based on their class. Under the ordinance, trailers could not be parked on a residential street. The City is also planning on setting up fines for violations, and if the violations continue the truck will be towed.
“No one can pull up, drop off a trailer on the side of the street and leave it unhinged,” Mooney said. "It’s already covered in a separate ordinance, but this ordinance does address that reference side as well. This ordinance is only to improve the safety and the health of all residents and visitors of Hobbs."
Other municipalities have passed similar legislation.