Although Wilmington's city code bans parking on sidwalks and curbs, police look the other way along 16th Street. (File photo)

The full question:

“Why are people allowed to park half on the curb and half in the street on 16th Street between Market and Wooster streets?”

And the answer:

Technically, Wilmington city code prohibits parking on curbs or sidewalks. But on that stretch of 16th Street, police have not enforced the city code because cars parked there are vulnerable to sideswipes by passing vehicles, said Sgt. Mike Donelson, who oversees the traffic unit at the Wilmington Police Department.

Donelson added, however, that if a property owner calls to complain about cars parking half on the curb and half in the street, police would take action, especially if the car is parking in front of the person’s house or blocking their driveway.

Donelson said police have taken numerous crash reports on that street where cars have been sideswiped or seen their side mirrors taken off by passing vehicles. He said given that reality, it is understandable that some drivers park on the curb.

Date posted: November 22, 2011

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hal nicholson