SCHENECTADY – Mayor Gary McCarthy joined Police Chief Eric Clifford and Councilmember Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas to sign legislation banning the use of ATVs and Dirt Bikes on public property and increasing repossession fees and illegal use fines, to potentially upwards of $3,000 per violation.
“These dangerous vehicles are illegal and their reckless operators create a hazardous environment for the entire community,” Mayor McCarthy said. “This behavior cannot be tolerated in our parks or on city streets. I thank Councilmember KZW for her leadership on this critical public safety legislation.”
Under the new legislation, ATVs and dirt bikes operating on city streets or parks may be impounded with the owner subject to a $2,350 redemption fee, in addition to a $70 towing fee, and storage charges of $20 per day. Any person found guilty of operating ATVs or dirt bikes may also pay a fine of up to $500. If the vehicle goes unclaimed after 60 days, it may be sold or destroyed.
“These vehicles belong in rural areas and should not be operated recklessly in our city,” Councilmember Zalewski-Wildzunas said. “It not only harms quality of life for residents, but has already resulted in numerous injuries and deaths. I thank my colleagues on the Council for their unanimous support of this legislation and I look forward to the police having the ability to ensure that we have safer streets.”
“The Schenectady Police Department is committed to the mission of promoting a safe environment for all city residents,” said Police Chief Eric Clifford. “Officers will continue enforcement and investigation of reckless operators, and arrest and seize vehicles.”
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