Tunney Seeks Crackdown On Failure To Shovel Snow
UPDATED 10/27/11 8:59 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Failing to shovel your walkway this winter could be a costly mistake.
As CBS 2's David Morrison reports, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) says he wants the city to issue a warning notice, followed by a ticket, to any homeowners who let the snow pile up, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
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Tunney had been watching the Department of Streets and Sanitation showcase its Blackberry-based mobile electronic ticketing feature, and asked if it could be used for a crackdown on those who don't shovel their walks, the Sun-Times reported.
The Blackberries with the technology are in the hands of Streets and Sanitation ward superintendents.
He suggested the technology could be used to take pictures of snow that has not been shoveled, as grounds to issue a ticket.
Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Thomas Byrne told Tunney the technology could be used for that purpose, the Sun-Times reported.
Homeowners and businesses are already required by law to keep their walks clear of snow, but the law is rarely enforced, the newspaper reported.
Fines would range from $50 to $100.
Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) said she believes only businesses should be targeted by the crackdown, since some homeowners are not able to shovel their walks.
