Menu
Log in
Log in

    



 

Maine Alliance for Road Associations

Leaving snow across private road

  • 06 Feb 2020 7:32 PM
    Message # 8731614

    We have a volunteer association. Our road is approximately 1/2 mile long and we are at the far end. One of the neighbors pushes snow across the road when plowing his adjoining road and leaves piles across making travel over that snow mound difficult. Are there any laws preventing that on a private road? I know that there are on public ones.

  • 07 Feb 2020 5:06 PM
    Reply # 8733485 on 8731614
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Hmmm - I have to ask - When your road is plowed, does it leave a pile across the end of his road?  If so, maybe he's trying to get your attention.  If not, have you tried asking him politely to just make a pass the other way to clean it up when he's done?  You might point out that it's a safety hazard, including the possibility that it could increase the chances of someone colliding with him at the intersection due to inability to stop in time.  I can't think of any statute that specifically prohibits plowing across a private road.

  • 09 Feb 2020 12:03 PM
    Reply # 8735875 on 8731614

    Yes his road adjoins. We plow the upper road from our end out to public road almost exclusively. We also clean up in front of his road when done as to not leave a “ speed bump” . What he does appears to be on purpose. We have yet to mention because we don’t want a back and forth over something so petty, but clearly it is getting to that point.

    For safety reasons, we are getting frustrated!

  • 10 Feb 2020 10:07 AM
    Reply # 8737292 on 8731614
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Sounds like you are handling it appropriately.  A agree that it's better to avoid stirring things up over a small issue - he is, after all, a neighbor, and you will have to live with each other.  On the other hand, where there are safety concerns, it sound like you do need to do something about it.  I'd still try the polite approach first, i.e. tell him it's becoming a safety issue and ask if there is some problem you are unaware of that needs to be taken care of.  If he continues to plow the snow across the road, you could try asking the police to speak to him on the grounds that it's a nuisance or a public safety matter.  They may just tell you it's a civil matter and there's nothing they can do, but it's worth a try.

                            The Maine Alliance for Road Associations


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software