Proposed semi-truck parking ban in Minneapolis draws criticism
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Semi-truck drivers and trucking industry professionals are criticizing a plan to ban truck parking in the city of Minneapolis, saying they fear the city has no alternative options for where drivers would be able to park.
During a meeting held in North Minneapolis earlier this month, city staff presented its proposal to truck drivers and sought feedback from the people who would be impacted.
But those in attendance tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they felt that the city's plan did not include alternatives for residents who live in Minneapolis and own a semi-truck.
"I think it's just a bad signal," said John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association, who attended the meeting. "When the city was talking about their plan, they didn't really offer any transition help. They didn't offer any suggestions on what drivers might do."
More from KSTP:
Business owners raise concerns about semis parked on North Minneapolis street
When asked if there was any plan to find additional parking space for semi-trucks in Minneapolis, a city spokesperson responded in an email saying "not at this time."
[KSTP-TV]
Hausladen said during the meeting, drivers asked the city about alternatives, including a possible permit system for residents or dedicated surface parking that truck drivers would pay to use.
"These are small businesses on wheels," Hausladen said. "These aren't just vehicles that someone has parked on the street. The city's proposal is basically that we're going to ban all overnight truck parking and you just figure it out."
The city will host a public hearing on the issue sometime in the spring. In response to questions from 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS about the proposal, a city spokesperson said staff expect that truck drivers and others "will desire further discussions to identify ideas and develop options that may address these truck parking challenges."