OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Brocton Village Trustee Drew Ransom was the only vote against a law to adopt stricter parking rules in the village during winter months.

BROCTON — Before the first snowfall of the year, the village of Brocton made sure to have a law on the books to address concerns regarding the plowing of village roads.

After a public hearing to begin a recent Village Board meeting, Local Law 2 of 2023 regarding on-street parking was adopted by the Village Board. Only Village Trustee Drew Ransom voted against the law, while the rest of the board was in favor of it.

As the law states, on-street parking is prohibited within the village on any streets or highways between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. each night, beginning Nov. 1 and ending March 31 each year. Additionally, no vehicle shall stop, stand, or park on any sidewalk, or between the sidewalk and the curb line if there is no sidewalk, within eight feet of paved streets.

Highway Department Supervisor Ken Becker has been asking the Village Board to address on-street parking dating back over a year. Becker has seen firsthand how on-street parking has caused issues for snowplow drivers during the winter.

“I can’t believe there hasn’t been a property damage accident with the snow plow,” Becker said.

Becker said his department, as well as the code enforcement officer, have notified residents that have been repeat offenders in recent years, but many have not complied with the village’s asks.

“If this helps with that, of course I’m going to get on board,” Ransom said.

Ransom stated his opposition to the law was, in part, because of the issue of policing the behavior of residents overnight.

“Who is policing between 1 and 6 a.m.? … We’ve got to start somewhere, but I’m just saying, why don’t we finish this? It should not be required times, it should be the length of the season,” said Ransom. “… If we’re going that route, then why aren’t we doing it right?”

Ransom asked for input from Becker once the law takes effect.

“Ken, you can report back to us and let us know what it is after we implement it. If we’re still having problems after 6 a.m., then we really resolved nothing,” Ransom said.

Those who do not comply with the law face fines and the potential of their vehicle being towed. The village also plans to order additional signage to emphasize the restrictions so that village residents are aware of the law.

“Ignorance is not a good defense,” Ransom said.